France Nevers Azay-le-Rideau Chateau 1961 Airmail Postcard to Chestnut Hill USA

Item Specifics

Country

France

Condition

Cover (Postal History)

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Grade: Ungraded
Item: Postally Used Picture Postcard (Airmail) Printed Origin Information (on postcard): Location Depicted: AZAY-LE-RIDEAU (Indre-et-Loire) View Description: "Le Château (1518/28) vu du Sud-Est" (The Castle (1518/28) seen from the South-East) Publisher/Distributor: "Service Commercial Monuments Historiques - Grand Palais Avenue Alexandre III - Paris" Mailing Information: Sent From (Postmark Location): NEVERS R.P. (Recette Principale), NIÈVRE, France. Sender: Signed "Linda". Sent To: Mr. & Mrs. I. F. Foster, 17 Laurel Road, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Postmark: Departure Postmark: Location: NEVERS R.P. NIÈVRE Date: 25 September 1961 Time: 14:30 (2:30 PM) Type: Circular Date Stamp (CDS). A small circled "3" is visible beside the postmark, likely a postal sorting or handling mark. Historical Context for Postmark Date (25 September 1961, Nevers): This date was a Monday. France was under the Fifth Republic, led by President Charles de Gaulle. The early 1960s were a period of ongoing Cold War tensions globally. France was also dealing with the latter stages of the Algerian War (which would conclude in 1962). Nevers, the city of mailing, is historically known for its production of faience (tin-glazed earthenware pottery). The sender mentions visiting Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley prior to mailing from Nevers, indicating travel from the central Loire Valley region eastward to Burgundy. Additional Visible Features: The postcard features a black and white photograph of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and its reflection. A French 0.65 Francs "Gorges du Verdon" definitive stamp is affixed. A blue "PAR AVION" (Airmail) etiquette is attached. A handwritten message in English is present on the reverse. Handwritten Message (English): Dear family, This is so typical of the many Renaissance chateaus in the Loire Valley. Last night we saw the spectacular at Chenonceaux with colored lights, music and the whole works - much better than the Hollywood kind. Everywhere there are lovely manicured gardens, courtyards and beaucoup de history. Love, Linda Interesting Facts about the Locations: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (Indre-et-Loire): Considered one of the foremost examples of early French Renaissance architecture. Built between 1518 and 1527 on an island in the Indre River, its style blends traditional French medieval forms with Italian Renaissance innovations. It was commissioned by Gilles Berthelot, treasurer to King Francis I. Nevers (Nièvre): The capital of the Nièvre department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It is famed for its distinctive blue-tinted faience pottery, produced since the 16th century. The city also has a rich history, including the Ducal Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Cyr and Sainte Julitte. Château de Chenonceau (Indre-et-Loire, mentioned in message): Famous for its unique design, spanning the River Cher. It is often called the "Ladies' Château" due to the prominent influence of women in its history, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. The "spectacular" mentioned likely refers to a "Son et Lumière" (Sound and Light) show, a popular tourist attraction at many French châteaux. Brief Summary: This airmail picture postcard, postmarked in Nevers, Nièvre, France, on September 25, 1961, features a "Photo Veritable" of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. It was sent by "Linda" to the Foster family in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The message describes her experiences visiting Renaissance châteaux in the Loire Valley, including a sound and light show at Chenonceaux, before she traveled to Nevers. The card bears a French "Gorges du Verdon" stamp.

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