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Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
THE LOIRE VALLEY LADIES
The Renaissance tends to be dominated by men: kings, noblemen, artists. But who were the
women of the time? The French Renaissance was, in fact, one of the few periods in French history
when a strong concentration of women ruled the country alone, or in collaboration with kings or
on behalf of sons. Many of these women had a strong connection to the Loire Valley, along with
female artists. Influential women in the Loire Valley are also thriving today. Here we look at some
of the most important female figures, both past and present.
WOMEN OF THE RENAISSANCE
The Mona Lisa
She may not have lived in the Loire Valley – but she is probably the most
famous woman in the world, and a symbol of the French Renaissance. Lisa
Gherardini was a Italian noblewoman born in 1479 and the model for ‘La
Joconde’, the famous portrait by Leonardo da Vinci commissioned by her
husband, Francesco del Giocondo in 1503.
In 1516, Leonardo came to France at the French king’s request and brought
the painting with him. Francois I, who was passionate about Leonardo’s
talent, named him ‘first painter, engineer and architect of the king’ and gave
him the Chateau de Clos-Lucé in the Loire Valley, near his own residence at
Amboise. Leonardo lived at Clos-Lucé
until his death in 1519. Following his death, Francois I placed the
Mona Lisa in the Palais de Fontainebleau where it remained for a
century. Louis XIV moved it to Versailles and, after the French
Revolution, it was moved to the Musée du Louvre – having also
spent a brief period in Napoleon’s bedroom at the Tuileries
Palace.
Anne of France Anne of France was a French princess and regent, eldest daughter of Louis XI.
She was the sister of Charles VIII, for whom she acted as regent from 1483 to
1491. During the regency she was one of the most powerful women of the
late 15th century in Europe, and referred to as ‘Madame la Grande’. Between
1503 and 1521, she also acted as regent of the Duchy of Bourbon during the
reign of her daughter Suzanne, Duchess of Bourbon.
Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
Catherine de Medici
Catherine de Medici was born in Florence in 1519, during the
Reformation. Married to Henry II, son of Francis I, she was Queen of
France from 1547 to 1559 and ruled France as Queen Mother and
Regent from 1559 to 1563. She held great influence over her sons and
most likely authorised the famous Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day in
1572.
Catherine is one of the iconic figures of the 16th century and her name is
often linked to religious wars between Catholics and Protestants. She
was the instigator of freedom of conscience for Protestants in France,
and tried to get the concept of civil tolerance accepted on many
occasions.
As an outstanding mediator, she intervened mainly to manage
diplomatic affairs. She led the negotiations and travelled the kingdom to enforce the peace edicts
and the king’s authority. She is also considered one of 16th-century France’s greatest artistic
patrons: she loved to surround herself with artists, poets, men of letters and musicians whom she
brought to court.
She was described as acrimonious, jealous of other figures of power,
and merciless with crime in order to exert her influence. Today, she
is more widely recognised as one of the greatest queens of France.
Through her fight for peace and despite all opposition, Catherine
became in the eyes of her contemporaries an extraordinary woman
who inspired respect.
Owner of the Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, Catherine used the
area as a hunting ground and stopover between Amboise and Blois,
making profits thanks to the toll on the river and the land. On the
death of Henri II, she exchanged Chaumont for the Chateau de
Chenonceau with Diane de Poitiers, the king’s mistress.
Christine de Pizan
Christine de Pizan is one of the first female writers in Europe. Her
knwoledge distinguished her from the writers of her time, both men and
women. Widowed and destitute, she had to earn her living by writing.
She is a prolific author who has composed treatises on politics, philosophy
and poetry collections. She retired to a convent at the end of her life,
where she wrote Le Ditié de Jehanne d’Arc in 1429. She also wrote,
among other things, Le Livre des trois vertus and Le Livre de la cité des
dames..
Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
Marie de Medici
Marie de Medici was the second wife of King Henry IV of France. Following
the assassination of her husband in 1610, she acted as regent for her son,
King Louis XIII of France. Although he came of age to rule in September
1614, Marie ignored him and continued to govern in his name. In 1617 she
was exiled to the Chateau de Blois, but in February 1619 she escaped and
raised a revolt. Re-admitted to the king’s council in 1622, she persuaded
Louis to make Cardinal Richelieu chief minister. Richelieu, however, did not
intend to be dominated by Marie. He enraged her by rejecting the Franco-
Spanish alliance and allying France with Protestant powers. By 1628 Marie
was the cardinal’s worst enemy. In the crisis known as the Day of the
Dupes, she demanded that
Louis dismiss the minister. Louis, supported by
Richelieu, banished Marie to Compiègne.
Marie built the famous Palais du Luxembourg in
Paris, and from 1622–24 Flemish artist Rubens
decorated its galleries with 21 paintings depicting the
events of her life, which rank among his finest works.
Marie was noted for her ceaseless political intrigues
at the French court and extensive artistic patronage.
Anne of Brittany Anne of Brittany, duchess of Brittany and twice queen consort of France, devoted her life to safeguarding the autonomy of Brittany within the kingdom of France. Anne succeeded to her father’s duchy in 1488 and the future of the duchy depended on her marriage. Desperate, Anne allied with Maximilian of Austria and married him in 1490. King Charles VIII of France, fearful that Brittany might pass into the hands of a foreign power, attacked it, and Anne was forced to break with Maximilian and marry Charles. The process of the union of Brittany with the French crown had begun. A woman of great intelligence, Anne devoted herself to the administration of
her duchy. A patron of artists and poets, she commissioned a Book of Hours that was one of the most beautiful French prayer books to ever be produced. She also instituted the queen’s maids of honour at the French court. Anne was born at the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes and graced many chateaux in Loire Valley. She married King Charles VIII at the Chateau de Langeais, and spent time at the Cité Royale de Loches where she had a work office and an oratory. After being crowned at the Basilica of Saint-Denis in 1492, she lived between the Chateau d’Amboise, Paris and Lyon. The Chateau de Clos-Lucé had an oratory built for her. She lived from 1499 until her death in 1514 at the Chateau de Blois.
Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII of England and Queen
Consort from 1533 to 1536. She was the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Her
marriage to Henry made her a key figure in the political and religious
upheaval that started the English Reformation. Accused of adultery, incest
and high treason, she was executed by beheading, though it is now
generally accepted that she was innocent of these accusations. Anne was
later celebrated as a martyr in Protestant culture. In France, she was
appointed Queen Claude of France’s Maid of Honour and served as an
interpreter when a high-ranking English visitor came to the French court.
During this period, she learned French and acquired a knowledge of
French culture and etiquette. Her education ended in the winter of 1521
when she was recalled to England by her father. She left Calais, still in
English possession, in January 1522.
Anne played a major role in England's international position by consolidating agreements with
France. She established excellent relations with French ambassador Gilles de la Pommeraie and, with
his help, she organised an international conference in Calais in 1532 where Henry hoped to obtain
the help of French king Francis I to promote his new marriage. The conference was a political
triumph as Francis approved Henry’s remarriage.
Anne Gedouyn
Anne Gedouyn was committed by patent letter of the king to act as
bookkeeper of the Chateau de Chambord. She would be named
‘concierge of guard rooms and furniture’ in 1545.
Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
WOMEN OF TODAY
WOMEN AND FOOD
Le Lancelot: Catherine Delacoute
Catherine embarked on a major career change from accountant to restaurateur in the Loire. She
worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants before restoring an old farmhouse with her father
near Orléans, which became her restaurant ‘Le Lancelot’. For the past 20 years she has served
traditional French cuisine inspired by her mother's dishes, with one menu entitled ‘L’Ardoise de
Catherine’ – it’s a perfect pitstop on your journey through the Loire Valley.
www.restaurantlelancelot.com
Biscuiterie Cannelle et Bergamote: Anne Michin
Anne took over this biscuit factory in 2005 and continues to make biscuits according to traditional
manufacturing methods. Only raw materials from the region are used, making this a 100% local
company.
www.biscuiterie-cannelleetbergamote.fr
WOMEN AND GARDENS
Le Jardin de Marie: Marie Marcat
Marie is a former Parisian who left the capital behind 20 years ago to devote herself to the
landscaping of a two-hectare wasteland and the renovation of a former farm and its typical 18th-
century barn. Marie’s garden is open to the public and gardening workshops are occasionally
organised. Visitors can also stay overnight in one of the guest rooms.
www.lejardindemarie.com
Jardin du Plessis-Sasnieres: Rosamée Henrion
Rosamée inherited the site in 1960 and began major renovation work on the property. Outside, she
created a large English garden. The garden opened to the public in 1996 and obtained the ‘Jardin
Remarquable’ label in 2004 as a reward for Rosamée's work and investment.
www.jardin-plessis-sasnieres.fr
Domaine de Poulaines: Valérie Esnault
Valérie fell in love with the lush landscapes of the Loire Valley two decades ago and became the
devoted owner of manor and arboretum Domaine de Poulaines. She has worked tirelessly here to
create a series of themed gardens across 4.5 hectares. Visitors can stay overnight in the garden
cottage. Surrounded by 20 hectares of woodland, the garden received the prestigious ‘Jardin
Remarquable’ (‘Remarkable Garden’) label in 2014.
www.domaine-poulaines.com/en/
Chateau and Jardins d’Ainay-le-Vieil: Marie-Sol de la Tour d’Auvergne
The owner and heiress of the Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil and its landscaped park with a rose garden.
Situated on an island square surrounded by canals and theme gardens.
http://chateau-ainaylevieil.fr
Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
WOMEN AND VINEYARDS
Rendez-vous dans les Vignes: Myriam Fouasse-Robert
A winemaker’s granddaughter and wife, Myriam was a former English teacher. Today, she works in
wine tourism by organising activities in the vineyards: tastings, relaxation, literary walks and
workshops, open to all.
www.loire-wine-tours.com
Domaine Clothilde Pain: Clothilde Pain
Since 2012, Clotide has owned her own vineyard at the heart of the Loire Valley and produced
authentic Chinon wines of exceptional vintages. She has spent time creating and expressing the best
of the characteristics of the terroir, with both rosé and red wines full of strength and character.
http://clo-chinon.com/
Domaine de Montcy: Laura Semeria
Italian by birth, Laura worked for several years abroad in the food industry before buying Domaine
de Montcy in 2007 and fulfilling her dream: to produce organic wines and develop activities in
oenotourism. Today she produces 3 AOCs as well as jams, and offers guided tours of the estate and
tastings of its wines. Visitors can also stay overnight in unusual accommodation in the form of barrels
in the middle of the vineyards.
www.domaine-de-montcy.com
Domaine Vincendeau: Liv Vincendeau
Liv studied in the UK and speaks three languages. Five years ago she bought a seven-hectare plot on
the Corniche Angevine on the heights of Rochefort-sur-Loire to make her own wine. Half of it was
planted with Chenin Blanc, the native grape variety. Since then, a plot of Grolleau Noir has arrived.
From the first day, she has cultivated the vines and made her wines according to the rules of organic
agriculture.
www.domaenevincendeau.com
Domaine Ansodelles: Anne Rouxelin and Sophie Raimbault
Domaine Ansodelles was born in 2014 from the meeting of two passionate women, Anne and Sophie.
Located in the heart of the Bourgueil PDO, the domain cultivates 4.6 hectares of organically grown
vines with a unique 100% Cabernet Franc grape variety. The domaine was originally called Domaine
d’Elles, but the publisher of Elle magazine threatened to sue unless they changed the name.
www.ansodelles.com
Atout France – Press release
Atout France Press Office UK/IRE
Anne Pedersen: + 44 (0)20 70616624, [email protected]
Marine Teste: + 44 (0)20 70616640, [email protected]
WOMEN AND HERITAGE
Chateau de Cheverny: Marchioness Constance de Vibraye
Constance resides at one of the most visited chateaux in the Loire Valley. Inhabited by the same
family for over six centuries, Cheverny and its gardens, maze and 3D Tintin exhibition offer a
fascinating Loire Valley experience. By her marriage to the owner of the chateau, Constance agreed
to sacrifice a little of her privacy for the benefit of visitors.
www.chateau-cheverny.fr/en/
Chateau de Rivau: Caroline and Patricia Laigneau
Two generations of women run this medieval chateau at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Caroline is managing director while her mother Patricia, the owner, is in charge of the artistic
programme and six-hectare garden. Visitors can admire contemporary sculptures and botanical arts
and eat in a peaceful restaurant (open April to November) serving local specialities and produce
grown in the gardens.
www.chateaudurivau.com/en/
Chateau de Blois: Elisabeth Latrémolière
Elisabeth Latrémolière is curator of the fine arts museum at the Chateau de Blois, where Anne Boleyn
spent much of her time as royal maid. Classified as a historic monument since 1845, the chateau is
unique in the Loire Valley with its showcase of different architectural styles spanning five centuries.
Today Blois is an art lover’s paradise, with some 35,000 pieces housed here including paintings by
Ingres, Rubens and Boucher. The series of rooms forms a theme-based circuit, offering a new way of
appreciating art history by grouping works devoted to a given subject, supported by explanatory
panels accessible to all ages.
www.chateaudeblois.fr
-ENDS-
