Showing posts with label travel in France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel in France. Show all posts

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Vaux le Vicomte

Estate of Vaux le Vicomte (Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte) is traditionally referred to as a "predecessor" of Versailles. Those who have seen the favorite residence of Louis, it will be interesting to get acquainted with its progenitor. Those who have not yet visited the Versailles can gradually trace the development of French architecture.



History of the creation of this palatial masterpiece closely intertwined with the history of France itself and demonstrates the features of the era. Bringing together the best masters of his time, Vaux le Vicomte was constructed three years (1658-1661) and was selected by the owner of the King for one day.

History
In 1641 the year 26-year-old parliamentarian and future Minister of finance Nicolas Fouquet acquired ownership of a small castle. The estate was between two Royal residences — Fontainebleau and Vincennes — and nothing of himself was not. Only fifteen years, Chief Financial Officer of France, known for its passion for money, corrupted and patron of the arts, Fouquet remembered acquired lands. Deciding to create the best Palace in the country, he invited the architect Louis left, gardener André Le Nôtre-decorator and Interior painter Charles LeBrun. The idea was a success. However, Nosy and under Fouquet's miscalculation in one: in the person of the King, who was invited to attend a grand reception on the occasion of housewarming. In an attempt to strike the imagination of guests the splendour of the Palace and Park, the Finance Minister has stirred the wrath. Differently and could not be, because Louis XIV declared: "the State is me" and all the best must be the only King. Fouquet was arrested on charges of embezzlement of public funds, and he died in prison.
Vaux le Vicomte belonged to Fouquet's widow until the beginning of the 18th century, later passing from owner to owner. Now the castle is also owned by private individuals.

What to look for
Palace: the Palace completely preserved atmosphere of past centuries. You can admire the bedroom Louis XV and Louis XVI, the Cabinet of Fouquet, dining room, kitchen and cellar. If you prefer, you can climb the Bell Tower in the central part of the Castle and enjoy the opened views of the Park.

Park: regular French garden created by André Lenotrom, future famous landscape architect of Versailles, is a classic example of French landscape ensemble.

André Lenotr (1613-1700) is one of the most famous French gardeners-decorators. Park of Vaux-le-Vikonte — his first serious work. Gardens of Le Nôtre so liked the King Louis XIV, he became his court gardener.
Every second and last Saturday from late March to mid-October, you can see the stunning water view, show the fountains, the main participants operating fountains Vaux-le-Vicomte.
How to reach Vaux le Vicomte
By train:

There are two ways to reach Vaux-le-Vicomte. The easiest is to take the train company Transilien, departing from the Gare de Lyon train station (Gare de Lyon) in Paris, Melun station (Melun). Travel time is 25 minutes. Melun is the first stop. The second method is to choose the RER D (station Châtelet-Les-Halles) and go to the same station itself much longer. Approximately one way trip by train this company will cost EUR 7.4.

From Melëna station to the castle of not less than 6 km, which easily overcome or using a taxi, or bus. The cost of a taxi one way-15 EUR, regardless of the number of passengers, and 19 EUR, in the evening and on Sundays.

Bus (Châteaubus) runs from April to November 7 only on Saturdays and Sundays. Journey time is 15 minutes. One way ticket price is 3.5 EUR. Stop at the station, before the privokzal′nym Café (café de la gare), Gal′eni Street (avenue Gallieni). It should be remembered that the estate is not the final destination, and the second stop. Bus schedule compares with the schedule of trains from Gare de Lyon (via 10-15 minutes after the arrival of the train). The last flight in the direction of Vaux-le-Vicomte at 15.45. Additional wedding flights there in June, July and August (19 and 20). It was at this time, "Evening spark". From the first bus leaves at 13.10.

Tickets listed on April 2011 onwards.

By car:

Vaux le Vicomte is at a distance of 55 km from Paris. If the movement is not difficult, the journey time is approximately 45 minutes. First, you need to move by highway A4 or A6, then in the direction of Troyes (Troyes) on the A5 to the first turn for Laxey Saint Germain (Saint-Germain-Laxis).

Cuisine and restaurants
Restaurant with an original called "squirrel" (L'écureuil) is located in one of the outbuildings of the Castle. This is a great place for those who wish to dine al fresco. There is a special menu for children. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30 till 18.00. On the day of the "Evening spark" is open until 23.00.

The coat of arms of Nicolas Fouquet depicts squirrel, karabkaûŝaâsâ up. In honor of her and called the restaurant.
Les Charmilles is located inside the Park, in the stalls of Diana, directly opposite the southern façade of the Palace. Lunch (starter, main course and dessert) will cost from 30 and above EUR. For those who prefer self-service, there is a menu: salads-from EUR 3.8, hot dishes, ranging from EUR 10,-from EUR 3.2. There is a children's menu (about EUR 8.5).

Shopping and shops
On the territory of Vaux-le-Vicomte are souvenir and book shops. The work schedule is the same as the estate itself. In the book section you will find guidebooks, work on the history of the Castle, the literature about other palaces, landscape culture, horses. The gift shop will offer the visitors prints, tapestries, pottery, countless little gizmos, one way or another connected with the Vaux-le-Viscount.

Entertainment, tours and attractions
Show fountains: every second and last Saturday 29 March to October 11, you can see the stunning water view, major participants operating fountains of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Submission is free.

The principle of operation of fountains technology 17 century. The owners of the Castle were able to save the gravitational water supply, that is, gravity, and now, like many centuries ago, rain falls into the ancient aqueducts, which stretch over several kilometers. Then rain water drains into a huge reservoir, and from there with the help of gravity applies throughout the Park.
Candle Night: every Saturday from 7 May to 8 October, from 8 p.m. to midnight, is held in the Castle "Evening spark". This grandiose idea refers to the Memorial for Vaux-le-Vicomte page history when 17 August 1661 year Nicolas Fouquet hosted a reception in honor of the young King Louis XIV. In order to impress the Supreme person, in the territory of the Palace and Park lit more than two thousand candles. Every year in the castle which then recreates the atmosphere and to the accompaniment of classical music, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy this festival of light.

Anyone can book a table in restaurants L'écureuil and Les Charmilles. Pay submission (16 EUR). In the first and third Saturday of the month advanced Fireworks at 22.30.

Opening hours from 9 March to 11 November: 10:00-18:00, December-January: 10:30 — 18:00. Ticket office closes at 17.45. In the days of "Pm" candles 23.00.

Water view: the second and last Saturday of the month from 29 March to 11 September: from 15:00 to 18:00. P.m. candles are on Saturdays from 3 May till October 4: up to 00:00.

Entrance fee: 16.5 EUR, children from 6 to 16 years, people over 65 years old: 13.5 EUR, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): EUR 54, visiting gardens: 8.5 EUR, disabled persons: EUR 10.

Posted By Unknown7:41 AM

Chateau D'amboise (Amboise)

Chateau D'amboise (Amboise), the first architectural monument, built in the Renaissance style in the Loire Valley. The rich history of Kings names this construction started in 11 century. Today is one of the most famous Loire castles, attracting large numbers of tourists. The glory he brought not only the descendants of the House of Valois, but a great artist Leonardo da Vinci, who lived the last years in close proximity to Amboise and buried on its territory.



History
History of the castle of Amboise goes back centuries, during the times of the Celts and the King of Klodviga francs. For a long time, D'amboise performs the function of the Castle buildings and only in 15 century becomes a royal residence. Here repeatedly stopped King Charles VII, children are born as Louis XI, Charles VIII, rekonstruirovavšij and obnovivšij building, spends all his time in the Castle, until his death.

According to legend, Charles VIII died due to the fact that hit his head on the top of the lintel of one low door in Amboise.
But glorifies quite another person crowned Castle is a patron of the arts and philanthropist Francis I of France, who invites the great Leonardo da Vinci in the year 1516. At that time the Italian artist was already 64 years. His place in the Manor of cloud, and he devotes all his time to painting and teaching. Three years later, Leonardo da Vinci dies.

The ashes of Leonardo da Vinci, in accordance with the will of the artist lies in Amboise.
After the death of Francis I and until the reign of King Louis-Philippe in the 19th century, the Castle comes to desolation. Louis Philippe gets the Royal residence to its former glory.
How to get there
From Paris to the Castle as the TGV from the Gare d'Austerlitz train station (Gare d'Austerlitz). Stop bears the same name as the castle itself — Amboise. Travel time usually takes two hours (it all depends on the number of stops). There are first and second class. The second class fare from EUR 28.90.

After arriving at the train station (Gare d'Amboise), there is no need to take a taxi or use public transport to get to the Castle. 800 m distance are easily accessible on foot. Landmark is the Loire River to cross over the bridge Ženeralâ Leclercq (pont du Général Leclerc).

Another option, less convenient and much longer to reach the castle of Amboise with the Montparnasse train station (Gare Montparnasse). You will need to make one transplant. To do this, first at Montparnasse station, or via the Internet, you should buy a ticket to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, located four kilometers from the town of tours (Tours). The journey takes about an hour. There are first and second class. The second class fare is EUR 57-43. Trains run through the hour and a half. After arriving in the suburb Tour you must take the a train TER (local train) to Amboise. Travel time is just over ten minutes. The most important thing is not to fall into the gap between the train and the train. Otherwise we will have to wait for the malointeresnom to visit the suburbs.

By car
The castle can be reached using several highways. The easiest way to travel from Paris on the A10 motorway, exit — Amboise. Next, D31 and N152. Another way is the highway A28. Interchange tour (Tours-Sud), move in the direction of the A85. The third option is the A85 motorway. Congress — — Amboise Blere Chenonceaux (Bléré-Amboise-Chenonceau).

Useful tips
Exit to the terrace. The first thing a visitor sees, up the ramp and once on the terraces of the Castle — views of the Loire Valley, the construction of 15 and 16 centuries, beautiful gardens and the two towers.

Chapel of Saint Hubert is located on terraces. It is built on the site of the former chapel of Louis XI, by his son, Charles VIII. The Chapel is famous for the fact that here lie the remains of Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise in 1519 died in year.

Saint Hubert was considered the patron saint of hunters.
The Castle illustrates the transition from Gothic to Renaissance, both outside and inside. Gothic Chamber presented the guard, open galleries, which made it possible to observe the Loire, a guard of honor, Hall and tamburinistov Hall Council. Traces can be found in the Renaissance Hall of Butler and the bedroom of Henry II. Chambers of King Louis-Philippe (study, bedroom and lounge music) already belong to the 19th century.

Cuisine and restaurants
Unlike most using tourist demand castles, Amboise is located on the territory of the city, so it is easy enough to find a place where you can enjoy lunch or a snack. Enough to go beyond the fortress walls. Cuisine based on products of the highest quality and time-tested recipes — distinctive features of all dishes of the region.

With a lookout tower Minorite Church overlooking the town and the Loire River.
Shopping and shops
The Castle has a gift shop where you can find and buy a variety of pleasant trifles: postcards, posters, keychains etc. Bookstore will offer visitors as books about the Castle, its history, gardens and literature about the Loire Valley as a whole.

Posted By Unknown7:35 AM

The Abbey Of Saint-Victor

Religious attractions in Marseille among tourists not less popular than the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-garde, enjoys the Abbey of Saint-Victor. The ancient monastery, according to historians, was constructed in the 5th century, but existed for three centuries and was destroyed by the aggressive nomads-Saracens.

Tourists can visit the existing Church and the crypt of the Catholic monastery.
To revive the Abbey Saint Victor succeeded in the 11st century, and since then it became a play a prominent role not only in religion but also in economic and political life of the country. It is worth mentioning that the monastery its name owes to the Warrior and martyr Saint Victor, whose name gave the monastery before beginning construction.



Nowadays, the Abbey of Saint-Victor as the current Catholic monastery not to speak of (it was disbanded back in 18 century), but in the meantime, the Church continues to function.

The Abbey Of Saint-Victor
For tourists will also open the crypt (simply put, Vault) with the sarcophagus belonging to 4. Before this tomb were stored in the Marseilles Borély Castle. The Church and the crypt are working every day from 9.00 to 19.00. The service, which also may attend all comers, from Monday to Friday at 6.30. Saturday mass at the Abbey of Saint-Victor begin at 6.30 and 9.00 on Sunday — 9 and 11:00.
For visiting the underground Crypt with coffins with tourists are charged an entrance fee of EUR 2. If turgruppe is greater than ten people, the cost of entry to the Abbey of Saint Victor will be only 1 EUR per person (September 2013).
Drive to the Abbey of Saint-Victor can be on city buses. So, if you travel from the old port, you should use the routes no. 82 and 83. From the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-garde to bus No. 60.

Posted By Unknown7:27 AM