Chateau de Carrouges

The Château de Carrouges in lower Normandy is much smaller than Vaux-le-Vicomte, although any house with a moat can't be all that small, can it? It definitely has a more homey, welcoming feel, and best of all - it wasn't swarming with tourists. In fact, there were only a few other people there, so we were able to see everything and take our time.

I always love a château with a moat - they remind me of knights and damsels and all that wonderful stuff of fairy tales.

Once you go across the water and into the courtyard, the first thing you see are these great pops of bright yellow and teal. Although these accents probably aren't historically accurate, I love the contrast of the bright colors against the brick and stone.

The interior was filled with gorgeous furniture, fabrics, and painted wall decorations. As much as I loved Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, I actually prefer the smaller scale and coziness of Carrouges.