Saturday, 24 March 2012

Cheverny, Moulinsart and Marlinspike Hall

What is the connection between these three places? Well if you are a Tintin fan, I am sure you will know that they are all the same place. The Belgian cartoonist Hergé, who created the Tintin stories, based Captain Haddock's chateau of Moulinsart (Marlinspike Hall in the English translations) on the central block of the chateau of Cheverny.

The beautiful 17th century chateau of Cheverny is one of our favourites. Not only are we big Tintin fans - the cartoons are a really fun way to improve your French language comprehension - but the chateau has all sorts of other delights for the visitor. There's the famous pack of hunting hounds, who lap up all the attention they get from dog loving visitors. Then there is the fact that the chateau is one of the very few which retains its authentic and original interior - a lavish extravaganza of gold and decorative detail. On top of all that, the grounds and gardens are absolutely lovely and immaculately maintained. We think there is something for everyone here.

We love Cheverny, and if you think you would too, why not email us and ask about a tour that includes a visit to the chateau?