Saint Nicolas des Motets was built in 1536. The painted decor embellishing a very simple architectural scheme was probably added a few years later. The iconography of the wall paintings, restored in 1996, is witness to the 16th century preoccupation with Redemption and the fear of death. Saint Nicolas is halfway between Blois and …
Monthly Archives: February 2014
Early Morning Sky in Winter – Ciel d'hiver le matin
Seen from my window on a winter’s morning with the promise of sun. Vue de ma fenêtre un matin d’hiver qui nous promet du soleil. Linking with Skywatch Friday
The Studiolo – Le studiolo
Known as the Queen’s Cabinet but in reality François I‘s studiolo (study) designed for king when the castle was built. The original sculpted woodwork with its painted gilt candelebra makes it the only royal cabinet from the Renaissance to have survived in France. Le cabinet dit de la Reine, est en réalité le cabinet ou studiolo (lieu …
Flamboyant brick – Brique flamboyante
Built of brick and stone between 1498 and 1501, the Louis XII wing of Blois Castle is in the Gothic Flamboyant style combining elements of northern influence with ornaments of Italian origin. Construite en brique et pierre entre 1498 et 1501, l’aile Louis XII du château de Blois est marquée par le style gothique flamboyant …
Doors & windows – Portes & fenêtres
Astonishing to see all the different doors and windows in the same house in the old quarter of Blois. Etonnant de voir les différentes portes et fenêtres sur cette même maison dans le vieux quartier de Blois.
Grey Trim – Entourage gris
Grey is not a traditional colour for door and window surrounds in the Loire Valley, but it corresponds to the latest trend in interior decoration in France where grey, taupe, white and écru are very widely used. Le gris n’est pas une couleur traditionnelle pour les entourages de portes et de fenêtre dans la vallée …
Saint Calais Chapel – Chapelle Saint-Calais
Dedicated to the hermit Saint Calais, the Chapel, consecrated in 1508, was the private place of worship for Louis XII and Anne of Brittany. The nave was demolished in 1635 during the construction of the Gaston d’Orléans wing of Blois Castle. The painted vaults and tiles flooring date from 1869. The present-day stained glass windows …
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CDP Theme Day – River Entry – Entrée de rivière
Two steps and you are on the banks of the Loire, the last untamed river in France. Today is theme day in the City Daily Photo community, where City Daily Photo blogs all over the world can post a February theme entry. See other interpretations of the entry theme from all over the world. Deux marches et …
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