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Fulfilling any childhood fantasy of being royalty might be easier than you think with a trip to a few spectacular Chateaux in France.

Chateau Chambord

Hidden in the center of a forest is the Chateau Chambord.  If you close your eyes for a moment and envision what your idea might be for a house only occupied for the occasional nights stay or whose primary use would be as a hunting lodge – a castle with 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces would certainly not be what most people would have in mind.  Yet, this was the structure that filled the desires of King Francois I.  For a hunting lodge, it is the largest Chateau in the Loire Valley.

At its center you will find a double spiral staircase that was said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci.  It has passed through a variety of owners ending with the Count of Paris before it was eventually purchased by the French government and turned into the attraction it is for visitors today.

Chateau d’ Usse




Another notable chateau, found in the beautiful Loire Valley, has served as the inspiration for more than one princess story.  This castle is literally a fairytale come to life.  Its image served as inspiration and sparked an idea for the writer Charles Perrault.  The basis for his story Sleeping Beauty can be linked back to the blue slate roof and gothic turrets of the Chateau d’ Usse.

It has been appropriately nicknamed the castle of dreams.  It was originally intended to serve as a fortress, but for many it has become the ultimate symbol of a fairytale.  Its design was even adopted by Walt Disney and can be seen replicated in his famous Cinderella Castle.

Chateau Villandry




Here it is not the beauty of the chateau’s design that draws people to what is known as one of the most visited castles in France, but the gardens surrounding it.  Villandry was built in the 16th century near the Cher River.  While the chateau itself is certainly impressive, its French mosaic gardens are the main draw.  You can experience what is truly the finest example of formal Renaissance gardens in France.  This is a place that anyone with even the slightest tinge of a green thumb could admire and appreciate.

Chateau Chaumont




Chaumont holds the title of being one of the oldest chateau’s in the Loire Valley.  Built in the 10^th century, it was the one-time home to Catherine de Medici, the queen of France and wife of Henry II.  Eventually she was able to switch residences with his mistress in favor of a grander style, but this castle certainly has its charm.  It is now owned by the French government and serves primarily as a museum.

Its English style gardens play host to the Festival des Jardins, which lasts from June to mid-October.   This unique festival allows for the true creativity of individuals to come alive as they are challenged by a unique theme each year.  This past year it was “gardens of color” and previous years it has been “at play in the garden” and even “movement”.  Since the gardens are constantly changing, the festival provides just another reason to return annually for a visit.

Chateau Versailles




Any list of chateaux in France would not be complete without including the palace at Versailles.  I realize that most people are aware of Versailles and its beauty, but there could be no justification in creating a list without including it.  It is easily one of the most widely known palaces in the world.  This was a residence literally created for the Gods.  Much like Chateau Chambord it began as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII.

Over the years it has been updated and expanded upon to achieve the splendor we recognize it for today.  Within the palace walls you will find 700 rooms, 67 staircases, and over 2,000 windows.  Visiting this national museum of history, a true testament to what architecture, wealth, and design can achieve, would be the perfect conclusion to any French Chateaux traveling experience.
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Art is hard to define as a concept and is being understood different as time passes. Sculptors have often been the flag carriers for art around the world. Here’s just a small list of some amazing art works that just stand out, public sculptures that just stand out.

The magic tap



It seems to be taken straight out of photoshop, but it’s as real as you can get. Located in the Aqualand in Cadiz, it seems to be floating and pouring water all day long. It’s not rocket science figuring out how it works; there’s a pipe hidden in the stream of water which is the answer behind it.

La Trobe



A statue of Charles Joseph La Trobe, gifted to the Library by the La Trobe Society, was unveiled in 2006. Located in Melbourne, the sculpture is standing upside down and seems to be a wonder of balance.

The Shark



The Shark has been an attraction for tourists in Oxford for more than 20 years. This house is not different to any other; it was built as a semi-detached house in about 1860 but now attached by a link to a second house to the north.

Computer chip Mona Lisa



It may not seem that great, but this sculpture made just from computer chips is definitely something to be admired whenever you’re in the Asus Headquarters.
zmescience

This book started as a personal project in summer 2007, and was soon published from a Japanese bookstore “Utrecht”. It’s a flipbook, but rather than seeing animation, it creates a 3D rainbow in your hand. Since being published it has been featured on Japanese TV, Newspapers, major news & blogsites like yahoo news, coolhunting and fffffound. This book won this years NY ADC silver cube.




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