the royal fireplace

This is one of the most over the top fireplaces I've seen.  It's one of many at the château de Blois.

château de Blois

This magnificent staircase is part of the François I wing at the nearby château de Blois.

And I hereby request dispensation for treading on my fellow City Daily Photo blogger Rosemary's territory who lives there (that would be Blois, not the château!).