Monday’s Travel Photos: Chateau de Cheverny, Loire Valley

When we visited Cheverny today, I was amazed at how beautiful it is inside. I did not remember any of the state rooms, only the bedrooms which I found disappointing during my last visit over ten years go. The domaine has been in the same family for six centuries and open to the public since 1922. The château as it stands today was built between 1624 and 1640 by Count Henri Hurault and his wife Marguerite Gaillard de la Marinière. The sumptuous interior decoration is by Jean Monier from Blois. It is the only major château to have retained its original furniture. Fifteen thousand bulbs are planted in the gardens each year, so if you can, time your visit for spring!

Front façade

Painted ceiling in the Grand Dining Room

Fireplace in the Arms Room

Stone sculpture on main staircase

The family dining room with its matching table cloth and porcelain with the family arms

Painted shutters in the Arms Room

Late 18th century Erard harp in perfect working order

Painted door in the Grand Drawing Room

North façade of Cheverny

The Orangery

Tintin exhibition – Cheverny is the “model” for Marlinspike Hall (Moulinsart in French), Captain Haddock’s residence in the Tintin comics, created by the Belgian author and illustrator Hergé