Song of Colours

Friday, December 9, 2016

The hidden alleys that whisper of secrets to be found,

the charm of the village architecture...

The Salle des Etats (Hall of the State General) is a large room with brick and stone walls

and a vaulted ceiling supported by columns.

It was the scene of a historic event known as the Conspiracy of Amboise.

In 1560 a group of Protestants went to Blois to ask Francois II for the freedom of religion.

Spies discover that some of these Protestants plotted to assassinate the Duke of Guise, the leader of the Catholic party.

The king escaped to Amboise Castle with his Court.

The conspirators followed him but were captured, tried and hanged from the balconies of the Hall of State.

The balcony has since been known as the Balcon des Conspirateurs (Balcony of the Conspirators).

The Edict of Amboise, an edict of pacification signed by the king in 1563, ended this episode of the War of Religions.

The Amboise Castle is an impressive site to visit, although it is much diminished in size from its heyday -

only one fifth of the original chateau remains.

There is also a highly regarded collection of Renaissance furniture and furnishings to see.

As for the decoration, it was originally of French inspiration,

but latter profited from the collaboration of the Flemish and Italian artists.

The furnishings were luxurious, Flemish and French tapestries, Damask curtains and Turkish carpets.

Although it is small, Amboise has an interesting historical centre, an attractive open square in the centre,

and also two of the most important historic monuments in the region:

the Chateau d'Amboise and the Maison du Clos Lucé, better known as Leonardo da Vinci's House.

The main central square occupies a large part of the centre of the town,

and has the castle to one side and various shops and cafes on the other side.

Several of these shops and cafes are established in interesting half-timbered medieval houses, adding to the overall appeal.