Renaissance Women: Margaret of Austria

Margaret of Austria, Mary of Burgundy, Maximilian of Austria, Anne of Brittany, Philip the Handsome, Catherine of Aragon, Louise of Savoy, Anne of France

When last we saw Anne Boleyn, our elegant & intrepid guide for these Renaissance ramblings, it was 1513 and she was heading to the court of Margaret of Austria to begin her European education (see Anne Boleyn: The French Connection).  Modern-day references to Margaret are often brief and made in passing to denote her relationships with others.  Frequently appearing in the biographies of others; often tagged as "Aunt of" or "Sister in law of"; Margaret has a fascinating story all of her own.

Born in 1480 to Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian of Austria, Margaret of Austria certainly had a lot of high-powered family connections (both through blood and through marriage) given that her mother was  the Duchess of Burgundy in her own right, her father was the elected Holy Roman Emperor and her parents were the co-sovereigns of the Low Countries.

Anne Boleyn: The French Connection

Anne Boleyn, Margaret of Austria, Claude of France, Marguerite of Navarre

Where would you start if you wanted to blog a bit about the Renaissance?  Would it be easier if you limited your scope to the French Renaissance?  How long would it take and how far would you get before tying yourself up in so many knots that the only sane move would be to cut and run?

 

I recently found myself pondering these questions (and so many more) but before I could be overwhelmed into inaction I decided to just pick a point and begin.  After all it's the journey that counts and since this is purely a pleasure cruise I thought it best to begin with one of my favourite historical personages, Anne Boleyn.
 

Le Jardin Francais: Chateau Montebello

 

I'm excited to announce this brand-new, seaside rental, Chateau Montebello.

Situated between sea and garden on the eastern-most point of le Jardin Francais, this beautiful chateau has every amenity with its generous rooms and two large fireplaces.