Art taking over Chaumont-sur-Loire
The original plan was to take another bike trip to the towns around Blois, similar to the route we had done before. Due to it being double the distance we wanted to rent some electric bicycles for extra power when our legs get tired, but unfortunately we had to make a backup plan when the bikes were all pre-booked.
Luckily we remembered the recommendation from the ladies at France Terroir in my previous post, who mentioned we must see the annual art exhibition on the grounds of the chateau at Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Cute picnic basket-looking benches
The chateau itself gave the amazing experience of opening up the upper servant's quarters to the public. I have always wanted to see what lies behind those closed doors and the artists chose subject matter and painting technique that fit in so perfectly in the rooms.
In the dimly lit rooms with torn down wallpaper, the style was impressionist and with dark colours. It reminded me of the scene in Beauty and the Beast where they travel to the old apartment in Montmartre. (see video below) In the pristine white apartments on the lower floors hung pastel still life artwork and in the rooms overlooking the forest and lake, bright green forest scenes were put on display.
A sample of the art
The Grounds
This couple was caught by surprise when the mist sprinklers were turned on by a timer. Luckily they took it as a romantic moment.
If you get the chance to go see this festival, it is on from until 4 November 2018, or check their website for the next festival.
