Issue No. 21

Catherine
1
Chateau de Blois
A range of styles from the 13th to 17th
centuries can be seen at the Chateau de
Blois, and the Renaissance part is evident.
The wing that Francis built is sumptuous
and the cage staircase is magnificent.
Read more about Blois here
Whats on 2019: Children of the
Renaissance - May to September 2019
Exhibition on the theme of childhood from
the late 15th century to the early 17th
century; May to October 2019 Sculptures
by artist Laurence Dréano in the rooms of
the château.
Catherine de Medici
Born in 1519 in Florence, Catherine de
Medici was married in 1533, aged 14, to the
son of Francis I who became Henri II of
France in 1547. It wasn’t the happiest of
marriages, Henri was in love with his
mistress Diane de Poitiers, Catherine’s
cousin. Their pass-ionate affair lasted until
his death in 1559.
It was Diane who wielded political influence
when her lover the King was alive, she who
was showered with jewels and gifted
castles including the stunning Chateau of
Chenonceau, a Renaissance jewel.
Read more about Chenonceau here.
In 1559, Henri was fatally injured at a
jousting tournament at which he was
wearing the colours of Diane. His sons were
too young to rule, so it was Catherine de
Medici who became effective ruler of
France, making Blois her key royal base.
Diane de Poitiers was ordered to return the
crown and Catherine took Chenonceau
from her but gave her the pretty Chateau de
Chaumont to soften the blow.
Read more about Chaumont here.
Diane also had her beautiful chateau d’Anet
to retire to. Probably the most