Château de Cheverny — Travel kills me

Cheverny castle is a magnificent and historic French chateau located in the Loire Valley, just a few kilometers away from the town of Blois. It is widely regarded as one of the most well-preserved and beautiful castles in the region, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The castle was originally built in the early 17th century by Henri Hurault, the Marquis de Vibraye, who was a prominent member of the French aristocracy. Over the years, the castle has been passed down through several generations of the Hurault family, and it has been carefully maintained and restored to ensure that its original grandeur is preserved.

One of the most impressive features of Cheverny castle is its stunning architecture. The castle is built in the classic French Renaissance style, and it boasts elegant towers, turrets, and balconies that are adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. The castle's interior is equally impressive, with luxurious furnishings, beautiful artwork, and stunning tapestries that provide a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the French aristocracy.

In addition to its architectural and artistic wonders, Cheverny castle is also home to an impressive collection of rare and exotic animals. The castle's grounds include a vast park that is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds. Visitors can also explore the castle's kennels, which are home to a pack of over 100 hunting dogs that have been carefully bred and trained by the Hurault family for centuries.

TIntin and Haddock in front of Molinsart castle

Cheverny castle is famous among Tintin fans because it served as the inspiration for Marlinspike Hall (Moulinsart), the fictional mansion owned by Captain Haddock in the popular Tintin comics. The author of the Tintin series, Hergé, visited Cheverny in the 1950s and was so impressed by its beauty that he used it as the model for Marlinspike Hall in his comics.

In the Tintin comics, Marlinspike Hall is depicted as a grand and imposing mansion with beautiful architecture and sprawling grounds. Many of the features of Cheverny castle, such as its elegant towers and turrets, its ornate decorations, and its vast parkland, are mirrored in the depiction of Marlinspike Hall.