Submitted by Olivia Parcells on the 2024 Winter BUAD program in Paris, France…
The students and I visited Loire Valley this week and toured two châteaus. I enjoyed exploring outside the city of Paris because this allowed us to see more of the countryside and learn about central France. The most memorable part of the day was going to the second château called Château de Chambord, which is the castle where the Beauty and the Beast castle was based off of. Overall the architecture in Paris is beautiful, however I think this castle is one of the prettiest buildings in France. The castle is influenced by Léonard de Vinci and was built as a hunting lodge for Francis I. This castle contained moats, large pastures, spiral staircases, and hidden entrances with gorgeous Medieval and Renaissance windows and arches. But I think the main reason why I liked touring the castle so much is because the younger me was living up my fairytale princess dreams. Belle is my favorite Disney princess, and I felt like her while I was walking around the castle. Even though I did not find my prince, I had a fantastic time and would recommend touring again. (Submitted on January 28, 2024)