Chanteloup Pagoda

Chanteloup Pagoda

Amboise, France

The ‘Duke of Choiseul’s Folly’ or ‘Friendship monument’ was built in 1775 after his exile from King Louis XV’s court as a token of his gratitude towards his loyal friends who stood by him.

 Famous for its beauty and element of surprise, the Pagode is a monument which measures 44m high and is held up by a ring of 16 columns and 16 pillars. Each of its seven storeys is constructed as a dome. Each dome is accessed by a steep, narrow staircase which goes right to the top. This staircase is made from mahogany except for the first floor where it is made of stone. It has a cast iron banister which is decorated with interlocking double C gilded bronze initials of Choiseul and his wife Crozat.

From the top, enjoy a glorious panoramic view of the forest of Amboise and the Loire Valley. Its utility was to follow the hunting’s parties from the Pagode.  (description via Lonely Planet). 

There used to be a beautiful Chateau here that rivaled Versaille, but the heirs could not afford it and it went into disrepair and the French government didn't want it and it was leveled.  Sad.  We climbed to the top and went out on the balconies and each room was slightly different.    In the summer, picnic baskets are available and you can rent row boats on the little lake.