The pinnacle of the armourers art in the 16th century.
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| Etched close style helmet, collection of the Chateau of Cheverny. |
You will learn about the different styles of armour in this period, how it was made and how it was worn. The 16th century was the high point of armour glamour and effectiveness, and after which its use declined. But importantly, it is one of the sectors which kick started the Industrial Revolution. Armourers (or as their modern equivalent are now known, arms manufacturers) are always at the cutting edge of technology. The tour is intended for beginners who are interested in gaining an appreciation of a fascinating subject. Because it is only an hour, it gives you a chance to explore the chateau more fully at your own pace afterwards, and with a bit more insight into what you might see.
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| Etched armour, collection of the Chateau Royal d'Amboise. |
I love to explain how armour functioned (there will be quite a lot of arm waving) and to myth bust all those 'facts' you thought you knew. You will leave the tour being able to amaze your friends when you can tell them whether a knight came from Nuremburg or Milan just by looking at his armour. A skill everyone needs, surely!
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| Detail of etched armour, collection of the Chateau Royal d'Amboise. |
Itinerary
*meet inside the chateau grounds. (Outside the café/toilets at the Chateau Royal d'Amboise, or outside the front door of the Chateau of Cheverny.)
*go directly to the room displaying suits of armour.
*look at different suits of armour and learn how to distinguish the different styles.
*once your armour tour is over you can explore the chateau independently at your own pace.
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| Arms room, Chateau of Cheverny. |
This tour can be customised to suit personal interests or other locations. Just ask me what is possible!
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| Late 17C comb morion style helmet. |
At the Chateau of Cheverny the tour can be extended to include a full guided tour of the whole interior of this very original 17C family home.
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| White armour with a close helmet and besagews, collection of the Chateau of Cheverny. |
At the Chateau Royal d'Amboise it can be extended to include a guided visit to the extraordinary chapel of Saint Hubert (reburial site of Leonardo da Vinci, and so much more).
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| Gothic armour with bellows visor, collection of the Chateau of Cheverny. |
Duration: 1 hour.
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| Detail of etched armour, collection of the Chateau of Cheverny. |
The tour is one hour, but you may explore the chateau independently afterwards.
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| Chateau de Cheverny. |
This is a walking tour. The armour in the collection of the Chateau Royal d'Amboise is accessible by wheelchair. The armour in the collection of the Chateau Cheverny is not accessible for wheelchair users.
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| Chateau Royal d'Amboise. |
Price: €75 for groups of up to 4 people. Admission tickets are not included.
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| Maximilian style armour with sparrow beak helmet, Royal Apartments, Loches. |
Booking: email admin@tourtheloire.com at least one day before you wish to take the tour. Tours can be conducted on any day of the week, throughout the year, at a time to suit you.
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| Etched armour (possibly French, second half 16C), collection of the Chateau of Cheverny. |
About the Guide: I am Susan Walter. I specialise in story telling, the weaving together of this fact and that, this character and their relationship with another. It is a technique which brings alive the history of what is sometimes just stones to look at, but those stones may lead to something wonderfully evocative and provide a better understanding of the past. Much of the history of the Loire Valley is about important characters which you will have heard of, but there is a great deal of hidden history too -- characters who have been forgotten in modern times, motivations for deeds which seem inexplicable can become clear, how different life was then, but also how similar. If you want to know who would graffiti a royal chapel and why, and why it isn't who most guides will tell you it is, then take a tour with me. If you want to know about the history of bathing and personal hygiene, and how that isn't quite what you think it is, then take a tour with me. If you want to meet fascinating characters from history who really made a difference, often women, then take a tour with me.
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| Maximilian style armour, collection of the Chateau Royal d'Amboise. |
English speaking, born and raised in Australia, I lived for 12 years in England, where I worked for the National Trust in their Historic Buildings Conservation Department, and now in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Loire Valley for more than a decade. I am an active heritage and nature conservation professional with experience of working with conservators and curators to care for historic objects and buildings, and with ecologists caring for our natural environment. Deeply embedded in the local scene I speak quite good French and enjoy life in a small village near some fabulous chateaux and lovely countryside. I'm always happy to talk about life in France and am friends with many wine makers and local food producers.