Chateau Chambord

Back in the Middle Ages, game was part of a lifestyle common to royalty.  This vast forest was filled with wildlife and has captivated the heart of the King Francois I.  This beautiful setting located at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher in France was known as the plush hunting grounds where the royals would spend atleast a month to play with those of their kind.  The habitué for the selected few is an amazing area of astounding beauty reflective of a world that was once filled with regal splendor.  This famous chateau is almost fairy tale like as it was one of the inspirations of the legendary Walt Disney in creating a hallmark in the world of fantasy and animation.  The most famous view lies on the northwest side at it showcases the magnificent and elaborate symmetrical roofscape facade.  While other castles were built for defense, the royal Chateau de Chambord was aesthetically made for decorative attraction. Inside this monument of history are walls filled with art depicting a fascinating narrative on game and hunting. Passing through labyrinths of rooms and halls brings you back in time with an eerie feeling that's almost haunting. While the past is seemingly revisited, the grandeur of space echoing the entire luxe setting tickles ones imagination into endless wonder.  At the heart of this historical structure is a captivating winding staircase(rumored to be designed by Leonardo de Vinci) where one can find a tunnel that showcases a mesmerizing shadow play and beautiful rays of sunlight. Back in the old days, this attraction was the means to gauge the time of day.  The spectacular view from the top is breathtaking as one is given a panorama of lushness as far as the eyes can see.  One can indulge in comfort and leisure at the grounds having wine and cheese with the chateau as an enchanting backdrop for a surreal shot that's almost picture perfect. The outstanding display of French Renaissance architecture will leave on in awe and no wonder this destination is one of the most recognizable of its kind in the world.  A past present feeling where worlds meet for a moment, creating an unforgettable memory of history and beauty.

Missing Versailles

At one moment in time in France, this author and close friend/jewelry designer Malou Romero decided to visit one of the  famous landmarks of the country- Versailles.  Behind the golden gates that welcomes you is the grandeur of the gilded French old world charm where luxury is at its finest.  Rich in history, this summer palace was once the playground and setting of the most lavish parties of Marie Antoinette. Not enough words can define and describe the captivating opulence seen from the tiniest to grandest of detail.  The palatial allure is breathtaking where the magnitude of art is seemingly everywhere like the air we breath in. Imagination runs wild and makes one wonder the secret lives of royalty.  Every room and corner sets a mood with stories to tell. One is treated to the luxury of space except during the summer where tourists come more than thousands a day(the scene would definitely elbow to elbow-shoulder to shoulder). Sparkle and shine fill the rooms and hallways with ornate crystal chandeliers, wall to wall mirrors and an endless see of prized fabrics. A perfect representation of beauty of an era or a time that was where we can only dream of. 

From the luxe palace we move to the amazing gardens. Love for nature Lush manicured greeneries go as far as the eyes can see. Beautiful white and golden statues are set against walls of greens like watchers of this priceless scenery. One cant help but stop for a moment to take in the beauty its picture perfect view.  Water is in abundance with lovely centuries old fountains that create nothing but music to ones ears. 

 A memory indeed for the books, a must visit in France you wouldn't want to miss.