A range of styles from the 13th to 17th centuries can be seen at the Chateau de Blois, and the Renaissance part is evident. The wing that Francis built is sumptuous and the cage staircase is magnificent.
Whats on 2019: Children of the Renaissance - May to September 2019 Exhibition on the theme of childhood from the late 15th century to the early 17th century; May to October 2019 Sculptures by artist Laurence Dréano in the rooms of the château.
Catherine de Medici
Born in 1519 in Florence, Catherine de Medici was married in 1533, aged 14, to the son of Francis I who became Henri II of France in 1547. It wasn’t the happiest of marriages, Henri was in love with his mistress Diane de Poitiers, Catherine’s cousin. Their pass-ionate affair lasted until his death in 1559.
It was Diane who wielded political influence when her lover the King was alive, she who was showered with jewels and gifted castles including the stunning Chateau of Chenonceau, a Renaissance jewel.
Read more about Chenonceau here.
In 1559, Henri was fatally injured at a jousting tournament at which he was wearing the colours of Diane. His sons were too young to rule, so it was Catherine de Medici who became effective ruler of France, making Blois her key royal base.
Diane de Poitiers was ordered to return the crown and Catherine took Chenonceau from her but gave her the pretty Chateau de Chaumont to soften the blow.
Read more about Chaumont here.
Diane also had her beautiful chateau d’Anet to retire to. Probably the most
Chateau de Blois