by Helen Kain | May 21, 2025 | Chateaux, France, Gardens and Flowers
Updated in May of 2025 with new pictures and insights. While the Château at Villandry is best known for its gardens, let’s start with the château’s interior, because it tells its own fascinating story. Built in the early 16th century by Jean de Breton,...
by Helen Kain | May 17, 2025 | Chateaux, France, Gardens and Flowers
Updated May 2025 with new photos and insights. Of all the châteaux we visited in the Loire Valley, Cheverny was my favourite. It wasn’t the most grand or architecturally imposing, nor did it boast the dramatic backstories of Chenonceau or Chambord. (Though,...
by Helen Kain | May 11, 2025 | Chateaux, France, Gardens and Flowers
Updated May 2025 with new photos and insights. Perched high above the River Loire, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire looks every bit the romantic stronghold with its conical towers, sculpted stonework, and soaring views. But beyond its fairy-tale façade lies a far...
by Helen Kain | Apr 12, 2025 | Chateaux, France, Gardens and Flowers
Updated in May of 2025 with new pictures and insights. It’s easy to see why the Château de Chambord is one of the most photographed châteaux in France. Its roofline—bursting with cupolas, turrets, towers, and chimneys—resembles an entire cityscape etched in...
by Helen Kain | Apr 10, 2025 | Chateaux, France, Gardens and Flowers
Updated May 2025 with new photos and insights. Tucked into the Loire Valley like a fairytale come to life, Château de Chenonceau is one of France’s most romantic and intriguing châteaux. Known as “The Ladies’ Castle,” Chenonceau owes much of...
by Helen Kain | Oct 12, 2024 | Castles & Stately Houses, England, Gardens and Flowers, Great Gardens of England, Home, Recent
There’s something magical about walled gardens — so ordered, protected and private. Ever since consuming The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett as a child, I’ve been fascinated with them. The high walls, usually brick, create a warm...
