Loire Valley - France Heart. There remained 71 lock. From some of the left - only the walls, the ruins of others - a museum with decoration.

Villandry Castle is part of a select number of castles of the Loire in France. It is known for its three gardens. The interior of the castle dates back to the XVIII century.

Villandry Gardens are a prime example of French landscape art.

The gardens are located at three levels, rising one above the other.

Villandry Castle partially surrounded by a channel.

This elegant castle belongs to the Renaissance.

Everywhere beautiful flowers.

Hedges and shrubs bizarre.

On the other side of the moat is a decorative garden, which overlooks the village with the nearby towering belfry Romanesque church.

This is a special part of the ensemble of gardens, designed as amulti-colored flower beds planted with vegetables and fruit trees.

In square lawns you notice the cabbage, carrots, beets, lettuce, and apples and pears. Flowering trees and vases of roses favorably complement the ensemble and emphasize its elegance.

In the XVI century created the botanical gardens, in which samples of plants planted, imported from America and other countries. It is to this tradition and applies the device Villandry gardens.

Artist Azat Galimov.

Corner of the Garden with a view of the church of Saint-Etienne-de Villandry.

View of the village of Villandry. Church of Saint-Etienne-de Villandry.

Villandry.

Azat Galimov.

Julia Kostsova and Alexandra Yagodkina.

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Alexandra Yagodkina.

Julia Kostsova.

Pumpkin Festival in the gardens of Villandry.

What a beauty!

Azat Galimov.

Pumpkin mix.

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Alexandra Yagodkina.

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Tamara Kamaeva.

Azat Galimov.

Tamara Kamaeva.

The organizer of the plein air Galina Stepanova.

Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov.

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Alexandra Yagodkina.

Julia Kostsova.

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Evening sun in Villandry.

Anna Filimonova and Henri Carvalho (Henri Carvallo).

Alexandra Yagodkina.

Tamara Kamaeva.

Galina Stepanova.

Evening walk through the beautiful garden.

Galina Stepanova.

Pumpkins in the sun.

Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov.

Tamara Kamaeva, Alexandra Yagodkina and Julia Kostsova.

The owner of the castle Henri Carvalho evaluates the result of the work of artists.

Anna Filimonova, Azat Galimov, Tamara Kamaeva, Yulia Kostova and Alexandra Yagodkina. The first etude.

Estate of Fonsh on the river Cher.

Azat Galimov on the river Cher.

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Preparation for the exhibition. Unpack.

Azat Galimov and Tamara Kamaeva.We stretch canvases on stretchers.

Alexandra Yagodkina.

Tamara Kamaeva, Azat Galimov and Julia Kostsova.

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The hard work of the artist! :)

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Exposition.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry. Tamara Kamaeva.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

The exhibition at the castle of Villandry.

Exhibitors and Princess Marisol de La Tour d'Auvergne.

Julia Kostsova, Tamara Kamaeva, Azat Galimov, Galina Stepanova, Anna Filimonova, Svetlana Fon, Alexandra Yagodkina.

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Galina Stepanova.

Exhibitors and Svetlana Fon.

View of the city of Amboise with the fortress wall.

View from the walls of castle of the Loire River.

Royal Castle dominates the city of Amboise on the bank of the Loire, has witnessed many events of the history of France.

Chapel of St. Hubert. It is built on the site of a former chapel. Here lie the remains of Leonardo da Vinci, who died in Amboise in 1519.

The most beautiful element of the castle, of course,
St. Hubert Chapel.

Stone carved arches are often compared to lace.

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Artists consider the territory of the castle.

Ready to work!

Fortress wall and the town far below ...

Azat Galimov at work.

Autumn flowers are lovely.

Tamara Kamaeva and Julia Kostsova.

Julia Kostsova on the castle terrace.

Azat Galimov.

The Director of the Royal chateau d'amboise, Jean-Louis Sure
(Jean-louis Sureau) and Galina Stepanova.

Anna Filimonova.

Anna Filimonova.

Julia Kostsova.

Alexandra Yagodkina.

The fragrance...

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The Director of the Royal chateau d'amboise, Jean-Louis Sure
(Jean-Louis Sureau) and the artist from St. Petersburg: Tamara Kamaeva, Julia Kostova and Alexandra Yagodkina.

The interiors of the castle.

The interiors of the castle.

The interiors of the castle.

The interiors of the castle.

French kitchen.

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One of the beautiful Chateau at the entrance to Chaumont-sur-Loire.

The small Palace and the Park are very refined and well-groomed.

The landscape Park around the Palace.

Fountains and sculpture.

Azat Galimov. Local dogs are very friendly.

 

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On the way to the city of Bourges.

Bourges. St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Bourges. St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Autumn flowers.

The streets of Bourges.

Beautiful fountain in the Baroque.

St. Stephen's Cathedral.

St. Stephen's Cathedral.

The Quiet urban backyards.

Bourges. The cozy little streets with fountains.

Tamara and Alexander Kamaeva Yagodkina working.

Tamara Kamaeva and AlexanderYagodkina working.

City flowers are beautiful.

Tamara Kamaeva, Alexandra Yagodkina and Julia Kostsova working.

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French policeman.

The flowers and herbs.

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In The Cathedral Of St. Etienne.

Castle d'Ainay-Le-Vieil is an amazing place with a rich history.

Located in the Loire valley, berry, the medieval fortress d'Ainay-Le-Vieil castle with towers on the sides by a moat and had an important defensive value.

In the XV century fortress-castle was bought by the ancestors of its present owners, who changed its appearance according to the trends and tendencies of the Renaissance.

Today the castle has the status of "Private historical monument".

 

The residential part of the castle is residential to this day. The family of the Princess is the room that once belonged to her mother.

Here all the family, which had six children, lived in the fifties of the last century. Now the family is not so great, so residential there are only a few rooms above the dining room. The remaining historic interiors, which can tell you a lot about the history of the genus.

This fortress was very important, it protected the French border from Aquitaine, which was then in the hands of the British. The castle was repeatedly besieged during the hundred years war, but it was never taken.

D'Ainay-Le-Vieil is famous not only for its castle but also beautiful gardens, dealt with by the manor's owner, Princess Marie-Sol de La Tour d'Auvergne.

Castle d'ainay-Le-vieil majestic and beautiful.

Tamara Kamewa, Alexander Yagodkina, Azat Galimov and Julia Kostsova at the chateau d'Ainay-Le-Vieil.

Roses everywhere.

Medieval gates served as an obstacle for enemies.

The coats of arms of all former owners of the castle.

The coats of arms of all former owners of the castle.

The coats of arms of all former owners of the castle.

The coats of arms of all former owners of the castle.

The coats of arms of all former owners of the castle.

The coats of arms of all former owners of the castle.

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Park area around the castle is the honorary title of "Remarkable Garden", which is assigned to the Ministry of Culture of France the best country gardens.

Gardens of Ainay-le-Vieil, located on three levels relate to four different periods: water gardens of the Renaissance, ancient architectural structures for fruit growing, the park of the XIX century and modern gardens.

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Amazing apple bizarre.

During the Renaissance, it was very fashionable to give fruit trees some form.

Fruits look better if they are not in the depth of the crown, and are open to the sun.

In the form of apple variety - this arcade, and cordons, and W-shaped, and palmettes, and trees in the shape of a candelabrum.

Of course, these trees have to constantly trim.

... And, ah! Roses!

Roses, roses...

Very elegant.

Strolling in the gardens of Ainay-le-Vieil, invisibly attached to the unknown science. Here, for example, chartreuse, there is no liquor, and a suite of architectural structures, common in the XII century and disappeared from the garden of the landscape of our millennium.

The chain separated by four meter high walls in the open air rooms creates a special microclimate in each of them. As a result, better fruit ripening and not simultaneously, but in different times.

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Guest House, located in the garden, inspired artists.

Tamara Kamaeva and Galina Stepanova.

Pond with a weeping willow.

Tamara Kamaeva.

Tamara Kamaeva.

Alexandra Yagodkina.

Azat Galimov.

Julia Kostova.

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Gorgeous hydrangeas.

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Pavilion for meditation from boxwood.

Light lunch in the garden.

Galina Stepanova.

Galina Stepanova and Tamara Kamaeva at work.

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Individual enthusiasm deserve parterres of boxwood embroidery. This is the art of planting small shrub complex pattern.

We are proud owners of the manor — rose garden. It was created in the nineteenth century. This is mainly a collection of old roses. In the twentieth century, these flowers were considered old-fashioned and began to disappear from gardens and parks.

In the courtyard of the chateau d'Ainay-Le-Vieil.

The historic interior of the castle.

Azat Galimov. The historic interior of the castle.

The historic interior of the castle.

Mrs. Marie-Sol tells the story of the castle. "We in the Royal room. You know that the kings of France traveled widely, in particular, they came to their vassals. Came here by Louis the Twelfth with his wife Anne of Brittany".

"... And we are now in the salon, which has kept its original decoration. For example, this fireplace say he is one of the most beautiful in the Loire valley. And he tells the story of France.
See –" L" - Louis, "A" is for Anne of Brittany, so here is the Royal Lily and the ermine, which is also symbolized Royal power."

Overall shot of the Royal fireplace.

And this is the guest room. Azat Galimov near an open flame.

Azat Galimov in the interior of the castle.

Azat Galimov, Tamara Kamaeva and Alexandra Yagodkina.

Evening with a charming hostess.

Dinner in the castle Ainay-Le-Vieil.

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Azat Galimov in the interior of the castle.

Entrance to the medieval room with a large fireplace and furnishings of the 15th century, where we stayed, Louis XII.

The fragrance of roses in Ainay-Le-Vieil.

Fruits look better if they are not in the depth of the crown, and are open to the sun.

Alexandra Yagodkina and Azat Galimov.

Autumn in Ainay-Le-Vieil.

Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov. Master Class.

Azat Galimov, Alexandra Yagodkina and Julia Kostsova.

Alexandra Yagodkina.

Alexandra Yagodkina and Julia Kostsova.

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Galina Stepanova.

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Alexandra Yagodkina.

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Julia Kostova.

Julia Kostova.

Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov.

The participants of the plein air hostess and guests from Paris, Svetlana and Dominique Font.

The participants of the plein air hostess.

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Azat Galimov, Alexander Yagodkina, Ms. Marie-Sol and Julia Kostsova the walls of the castle Ainay-le-Vieil.

Azat Galimov, Alexandra Yagodkina , Julia Kostsova, Tamara Kamaeva and Galina Stepanova at the walls of the castle Ainay-le-Vieil.

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Princess Marie-Sol de la Tour d'Auvergne, the vice president of "Parks Foundation and the French gardens." Marie-Sol - a descendant of two noble families: de Bini (Minister of Transport of Louis XII) and Colbert (the powerful finance minister under Louis XIV). Her estate Ainay-Le-Vieil spread over two acres in the historical province of Berry in central France.

G. Galina Stepanova owner of the museum-gallery "St. Petersburg artist" in St. Petersburg and the estate Marino, a former family estate Stroganoff-Golitsyn that near St. Petersburg.

During the Renaissance made here are steep walking paths, where you can stroll in the shade.

Alley decorated with sculpture.

Marie-Sol de la Tour d'Auvergne and Galina Georgievna Stepanova.

Marie-Sol de la Tour d'Auvergne chose Julia Kostsova art work for his collection.

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On the wall of the fortress.

Walking through the garden.

Galina Stepanova.

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Today is the day of the blitz-portrait with guests d'Ainay-Le-Vieil. Anna Filimonova.

Session blitz-portraits will be held in the garden, and the rain will not stop. Tamara Kamaeva and Julia Kostova.

Anna Filimonova has already started work.

From Azat Galimov portrait is almost ready.

Tamara Kamaeva.

Alexandra Yagodkina.

Azat Galimov and Marie-Sol de la Tour d'Auvergne.

Azat Galimov and Marie-Sol de la Tour d'Auvergne.

Julia Kostsova and Domenic Font.

Julia Kostsova and Domenic Font.

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Julia Kostova finished another portrait.

Azat Galimov. A good portrait to mutual satisfaction. :)

Azat Galimov. "Blitz-portrait of Monsieur Moreau.
Chateau d'Ainay-Le-Vieil" paper /oil.

Azat Galimov. "Blitz-portrait of the Princess Marisol de la Tour d'Auvergne. Chateau d'Ainay-Le-Vieil" o/c 60x50 2015

Marie-Sol de La Tour d'Auvergne, Monsieur Moreau and Anna Filimonova at the guest house.

Marie-Sol de La Tour d'Auvergne, Monsieur Moreau and Anna Filimonova at the guest house.

Marie-Sol de La Tour d'Auvergne and Monsieur Moreau.

Azat Galimov. Photo portrait of Svetlana Font.

Alexandra Yagodkina and Julia Kostova. Hat fashion show.

Alexandra Yagodkina and Tamara Kamaeva. Hat fashion show.

Sunny day in d'Ainay-Le-vieil..

Svetlana Font.

All participants plein air: Galina Stepanova, Tamara Kamaeva, the lady of the castle Marie-Sol de La Tour d'Auvergne, Anna Filimonova, Julia Kostsova, Alexandra Yagodkina and Azat Galimov.

 

Azat Galimov. All bye-bye!!!!

Reviews in the French press of the Russian plein air painters.

Magazine "The Practice of Art" with interviews of our artists in the castle of Villandry "Au chateau de Villandry Tourisme".

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Page interview with Tamara Kamaeva.

Page interview with Alexandra Yagodkina.

Page interview with Julia Kostsova.

Page interview with Azat Galimov.