Palaces of Francois I
The Lavish Chateauxs of Renaissance King, Francois I
Brief description and history of four royal palaces in France, that were influenced by the Renaissance and Francois I.
Amboise
The châteaux at Amboise was François childhood home. Located just outside the city of Tours, Amboise was built on top of a Roman encampment. Charles VIII used Amboise as his main residence, and expanded the castle, adding a Gothic wing. François’s uncle and predecessor, Louis XII added the long gallery and balcony. It was he who brought Francois here as a boy, when it became apparent Louis would have no direct heir of his own. François made a few changes. However, he did bring Leonardo Da Vinci to Amboise in December 1515. Leonardo lived out his remaining years as François’s guest at the châteaux Close Lucé, which was connected to Amboise by an underground tunnel.
Blois
Nestled along the Loire River, 20 miles northwest of Paris , is châteaux de Blois. Blois was the childhood home of Queen Claude, and she always preferred staying at Blois with her children rather than traveling about with the court. Currently the châteaux is made up of four distinct wings, each with its own architectural style. However, in the 16th century the châteaux sported just the 13th century Gothic wing and the brick and stone addition commissioned by Louis XII. Upon his ascension to the throne, François began constructing a new wing, aptly known as the François I Wing. In this wing, François built an impressive library that was later moved to Fontainebleau after his death. The most current addition, the Gaston d’ Orleans Wing, was added in the 17th century.
Chambord
Chambord is the largest castle in France. However, François spent only a few weeks total at his “hunting lodge.” Built in 1519, this Renaissance masterpiece features a double-turn staircase some claim to be designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Chambord combines sturdy French masonry with features of the Italian Renaissance. In François’s time Chambord was a favorite spot for hunting wild boar and stags. Because of its massive layout, and tall ceilings, it was hard to heat, and so was never intended as a permanent royal residence. It was at Chambord that François met with his sworn enemy Charles V in 1539.
Fontainebleau
The châteaux of Fontainebleau, located just outside of Paris, is a prime example of the Renaissance influence on architect and design during the reign of François I. According to legend, Fontainebleau was named in honor of François lost hunting dog, Bleu. The châteaux features an Italian Mannerist Style, making the castle look more like a house than a fortress. The gardens of Fontainebleau were patterned, setting the standard for future royal gardens. Inside Fontainebleau were lavishly decorated rooms, featuring allegorical paintings and intricately molded plasterwork. The gallery of Fontainebleau was the first one in France to be highly decorated.
Sources:
http://www.chambord.org/index.htm
http://www.visit-loire-valley.com/loire-valley-adventure.htm
http://www.fontainebleau.com/?gclid=CNeh75-OtI4CFRhigQodEXWz3w
HRH Princess Michael of Kent The Serpent and The Moon. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004
Sider, Sandra. Handbook to Life in Renaissance Europe. New York: Facts on File, 2004.
