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Šenonso je jedan od najelegantnijih dvoraca Francuske Chenonceau is one of France’s most elegant châteaux

France's aristocratic gardens The Loire Valley and its castles transport vis- itors back in time for a feel of French aristo- cratic life. Architectural splendour, all the im- agination of ingenious builders like Leonardo da Vinci, and the spirit of intrigue, love and be- trayal all live here, in harmony with nature. The Loire Valley is often referred to as the “Garden of France” and its beauty comprises vineyards, flowers and green hills, but also a huge num- ber of château manor houses.

'anchored' in the tranquil waters of the Riv- er Cher, connected to the opposite bank by a bridge that boasts its own elegant, two-storey gallery. Its beautiful arches over the river have ensured that this is one of the planet's most photographed castles. And, to conclude, we have the Château d'Am- boise, which is located in the commune town of the same name and provided the venue for the coronation of King Louis XI in 1461. Any planned tour of the surroundings of Amboi- se would also include the unavoidable Chap- el of Saint-Hubert – the site where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, a tour of the house where this genius spent the last three years of his life, but also the park where some of the great- est inventions and discoveries of this Renais- sance master were created and exhibited. The house, which is today a museum, is located in close proximity to the château and is connect- ed to the castle by secret underground pas- sages. Leonardo’s wish was to be buried in Saint-Flor- entin Church in Amboise, where his body was interred on 12 th August 1519. However, the church was subsequently demolished and the alleged bones of da Vinci were only dis- covered in 1863, when they were moved to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the gardens of the Château d’Amboise. The tomb can be vis- ited today. Located on the left side of the ti- ny chapel, it includes two epitaphs (in French and Italian) hanging on the wall that describe his birth, death and how it happened that he came to rest in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert.

Perhaps the most impressive of all the manor houses found in the Loire Valley is the Château de Chambord. Representing one of the crown- ing achievements of French Renaissance ar- chitecture, it is the largest, grandest and most visited château in the area. Rising through the centre of the structure, the world-famous dou- ble-helix staircase – which was very possibly designed by Leonardo da Vinci – ascends to the great lantern tower and rooftop, where you can marvel at the authentic skyline. With con- struction launched in 1519 by François I, who intended for it to become a weekend hunting retreat, it quickly grew to become one of the most ambitious and expensive construction projects ever undertaken by a French monarch. Louis XIV was a frequent resident here, and it was while staying at the château as his guest that celebrated playwright Molière presented his comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Sur- rounding this château is a beautiful and spa- cious park, where many wild animals roam free. Chenonceau is one of France's most elegant châteaux. It's hard not to be moved and exhil- arated by the glorious setting, formal gardens, magical architecture and the château's fasci- nating history. The interior is decorated with rare furnishings and an art collection that in- cludes works by Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyck and Ribera. Built at the beginning of the 16 th century, it is known as the “Castle of the Six Ladies”, the most famous of whom is Cathe- rine de Medici. Surrounded by exquisite gar- dens and a forest, this château appears to be

U baštama dvorca Amboaz u maloj kapeli nalazi se grobnica „renesansnog čoveka“ In the gardens of the Château d’Amboise, overlooking the Loire, a small chapel houses the tomb of the Renaissance Man

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