A Brief Introduction to French Chateaux
Chateaux are a standard feature throughout France. You will be shocked at only how many chateaux for sale there are in the country. If you are looking to take a position in a French chateau, you should necessarily have some concept about chateaux, and their varying significant and architectural values.
Actually the word "chateau" is fairly often misrepresented in English as "castles". This is essentially as the two words sound similar. The French word "chateau" actually implies a grand house and were built and resided in mostly by folks belonging to the nobility. Chateaux also acted as forts, to defend the assets of the nobles.
Different strategies have been employed at different time periods to build up these chateaux. The ones built before the 12th century used a mix of earthwork and timber. Many of those chateaux remain intact, some dating as far back as the 10th century. After the 12th century, stone was the predominant material utilized in the construction of the chateaux. There are many examples of chateaux from the period with their fortifications still intact.
During the Renaissance period, new architectural imfluences poured into France, chiefly from Italy. The Chateau de Chambord, situated in the Loire Valley, is quite possibly the best example of atchitectural design influenced by this Italian Renaissance period. Chateaux from the 15th century onwards show an interesting blend of the French medieval and Italian renaissance-style architecture. Some of the finest chateaux made in France include the ones at the the Vaux-le-Vicomte, Bordeaux and Loire Valley, not to mention the internationally famous Chateau de Versailles.
The French Revolution and the decline of aristocracy in France led to a lot of the chateaux being deserted. As a result, most of them were in such a dilapidated state that they required in depth renovation to be fit for residing again. During the last few decades, an interest has been revived among both foreign financiers and Frenchmen alike to preserve these attractive buildings, and many of them have been completely restored to their previous glory. You will find chateaux for sale that are well renovated as well as those that are short of refurbishment.
Actually the word "chateau" is fairly often misrepresented in English as "castles". This is essentially as the two words sound similar. The French word "chateau" actually implies a grand house and were built and resided in mostly by folks belonging to the nobility. Chateaux also acted as forts, to defend the assets of the nobles.
Different strategies have been employed at different time periods to build up these chateaux. The ones built before the 12th century used a mix of earthwork and timber. Many of those chateaux remain intact, some dating as far back as the 10th century. After the 12th century, stone was the predominant material utilized in the construction of the chateaux. There are many examples of chateaux from the period with their fortifications still intact.
During the Renaissance period, new architectural imfluences poured into France, chiefly from Italy. The Chateau de Chambord, situated in the Loire Valley, is quite possibly the best example of atchitectural design influenced by this Italian Renaissance period. Chateaux from the 15th century onwards show an interesting blend of the French medieval and Italian renaissance-style architecture. Some of the finest chateaux made in France include the ones at the the Vaux-le-Vicomte, Bordeaux and Loire Valley, not to mention the internationally famous Chateau de Versailles.
The French Revolution and the decline of aristocracy in France led to a lot of the chateaux being deserted. As a result, most of them were in such a dilapidated state that they required in depth renovation to be fit for residing again. During the last few decades, an interest has been revived among both foreign financiers and Frenchmen alike to preserve these attractive buildings, and many of them have been completely restored to their previous glory. You will find chateaux for sale that are well renovated as well as those that are short of refurbishment.
About the Author:
Andre Boultaire owns Luxury French Chateaux a website for those looking for a luxury French Chateaux for sale. The site provides some of the best castles for sale in France, ideal for if you are looking for a chateau for sale Bordeaux, the dordogne or the South of France.