1917 Book of 24 Postcards - BLOIS, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE - Chateau, Town & Church

Description

An original book of 24 postcards of Blois, France, which was
part of a large collection of memorabilia gathered by Herman G. Scott of Pittsburg and who was stationed with the American Expeditionary Forces in Tours in 1917-1918.
Most of the cards illustrate the chateau (see below) but other views include churches, baths and historical fountain.
Good condition except for an inked notation on the cover giving May 30, 1917 as the date of visit. Tissue guards between cards have been removed and there is no back cover
Also included are 3 postcards of the same period of Lyon, Lyunes and Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin - some damage and hand-written notes - see scan.
A great piece of original World War 1 memorabilia
Chateau de Blois in the Loire Valley
The Chateau of Blois is not only one of the most prestigious Renaissance monuments  in France but also a brilliant illustration of the evolution of the French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. It has a great royal history from Louis XII who built the oldest part of the chateau to Francois I who added the renaissance wing with the unique open circular staircase.
The  medieval castle became a royal residence and the political capital of the kingdom under Louis XII. At the beginning of the 1500’s, the king initiated a reconstruction of the castle and the creation of a renaissance garden.  These were later lost with the formation of Avenue Victor Hugo.
The Louis XII wing, of red brick and  grey stone, forms the main entrance to the château, and features a statue of the mounted king above  the  entrance.
Inside the chateau has been  returned to its former splendour with particular emphasis put on restoring the floor tiles to their original condition.
Quite overwhelming actually, not for your average semi!
The chateau features its own ‘son et lumière ‘ which is worth  hanging around for - it takes place in the courtyard late on summer evenings. The usual melodramatic historical narrative, backed by a light show and classical music, is presented in English on Wednesdays.