A Visit To Chateau Chenonceau
The first glimpse of the Castle and grounds of Chateau Chenonceau is seen through the trees and from a great distance. It appears to be like any other elegant castle with its towers, gardens, and river. It is not until one looks around that it becomes clear that it is like nothing else in this world. The tower that once appeared to be simple and small from a distance begins to grow in size and climbs up into the sky like a bird taking flight. The river that seemed to rush by softly now pushes its way downstream defiantly, and the woods that seemed to be still and quiet burst with life like a thousand tiny fireworks.
Entering the castle is like completely submerging yourself in a different world and era. Beautiful tapestries hang on the walls telling the long and sometimes forgotten histories of the royal families that once roamed these ornate halls. The stone staircase winds up to each floor in an elegantly curving way. Despite all the stone, it still feels light and warm, and one can only imagine what it would be like in the height of its glory days. You can almost hear the echoes of a former age. The kitchen is still so perfectly intact, every copper pot and pan hanging in its place, as if the cook just walked out into the garden to pluck some fresh vegetables. They still shine under the beams of sunlight that stream in through the window. Even though the castle is old and slightly forgotten it is still a spectacular place that can capture anyone’s imagination.
Upon exiting the castle, you are naturally drawn to the gently flowing river that meanders underneath the castle arches that span its width. Walking down the path next to the River Cher, one encounters the perfectly crafted stonework wall that lines the nearside riverbank. Listening carefully and staying very still, you will hear the water gurgling over the rocks in the most soothing manner, as it winds its way downstream. Glimpses of fish swimming in the current are easily seen, their shiny scales reflecting the sun like tiny silver coins in a fountain.
Stepping into the woods adjacent to Chateau de Chenonceau in the early afternoon will at first appear to be completely empty and still. But once you step into the thick grove, the outside world seems to melt away like warm butter. It is soft and quiet there and, as you begin to listen, you will hear the birds chirp their afternoon songs. The melody is sweet and clear, slowly drifting through the woods until it fades into nothingness. Inhaling deeply you can smell the sweet, earthy aroma of dirt and bark filling up your lungs. In addition, you can also detect the delicious scent of flower nectar, each blossom smelling so vastly different and unique.
Slowly progressing forward one will feel soft moss and the twigs snap underfoot like pretzel sticks. Extending an arm, one can feel the bark of the trees, rough and scaly as a rusty old car. Continuing further along the softly compacted dirt path, you can spot little flowers budding up and little bushes with berries. Each flower is so vastly different, beautiful and unique. Even the smallest thing can capture your attention with its beauty. The little world inside the woods is bursting with life. The greens are just as vibrant as all the colors on each and every different flower.
It is so quiet and serene that you can hear everything around you, even beautiful songs sung by the animals in this place. Looking up, birds and squirrels will be visible playing in the trees, and if one continues to look farther up the blue sky will be apparent, peeking out from behind the tops of the trees like a bird sticking out of a coo-coo clock to say a friendly hello. You can see the clouds dotted across the sky.
Stepping out of our world full of chaos and frenzy, even if it is only for a few minutes on a lovely afternoon, you can see so much beauty and creativity blooming in this marvelous world. It is truly amazing and we should all take time out of our daily lives to really appreciate this world and all the truly exceptional things in it.
