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S1 - E2 | The Secrets of Chambord's Architecture

How do double helix staircases work?

On the road to knowledge with music for 3 to 6 year olds!

Today, we are going on a journey to discover double helix staircases.

Pictures of our little adventurers in action - can you come and play with them?

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🎤 Move, sing, discover!

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🎙 Read the lyrics to our music:

The lyrics of the two songs are identical, only the melodies are different.

The adventure begins with a story and discoveries for 6 - 8 year olds!

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📝 Quick summary of key information

How do double helix staircases work?

Double helix staircases are special staircases that let two people go up and down without meeting. They are built so that the steps are twisted together, like two snakes wrapped around each other.

Because of this design, one person can go up on one side while another person goes down on the other side, without ever meeting. It's like each person has their own secret path!

In castles, these stairs were very handy. They let people move around without bumping into each other, which was helpful to avoid unwanted meetings between the castle's residents.

A famous example of a double helix staircase is at the Château de Chambord in France. This staircase is famous for its unique design and fascinating story.

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The Secrets of Chambord Architecture

How do the double helix staircases work?

The discovery of the double helix staircases

After exploring the gardens of Chenonceau, Eleanor and Louis were guided by a peacock butterfly to their next adventure. They walked along green paths, thinking about how important light is for plants to grow, before finding themselves in front of the grand Château de Chambord. The castle, with its majestic towers and double helix(1) staircases, seemed to invite them to discover its mysteries. Eleanor, with her long blonde braids and blue medieval dress, was especially excited to uncover the secrets of this historic(2) monument(3). Louis, on the other hand, adjusted his musketeer hat with a white feather, ready to face the challenges that this new place had in store for them. He wore a green tunic and brown pants.

Eleanor, amazed, says:
« Louis, look at these double helix stairs! They are amazing, aren't they? It seems like they go up and down at the same time. I wonder how they work. »

Louis, amazed, shouts:
« Yes, they are wonderful. It looks like they go up in a circle. »

Eleanor, curious, wonders out loud:
« I wonder how they work. We can go up and down without meeting. »

After admiring the stairs, Eleanor and Louis decided to climb them. They went up the spiral steps, amazed by the breathtaking view of the gardens. Once at the top, they were greeted by a splendid sight. That's when a figure appeared, gently floating in the air. It was the Ghost of King Francis I, dressed in royal clothes from the Renaissance(4) era, with a clean-shaven face and black hair. His eyes shone with a mysterious light.

The Ghost of King Francis I, with a soft and mysterious voice, says:
« Hello, young adventurers. You admire my stairs? »

The ghost of King Francis I explains how these staircases work and their historical use. Eleanor and Louis understand better the importance of these structures in the castle's life. Eleanor and Louis, amazed by this discovery, promise to share this knowledge with other children. They head towards the exit, ready to explore other wonders hidden in the castles of France. But suddenly, a strange noise echoes in the distance. A secret door opens slowly, revealing a mysterious passage. Eleanor and Louis look at each other, intrigued. They decide to follow the unknown path, curious to discover what awaits them.

The explanation from the Ghost of King Francis I

Eleanor and Louis walk carefully through the secret passage. The walls are cold and damp, but their curiosity is stronger than their fear. They walk slowly, lit by a faint light coming from small openings in the walls.

Eleanor, curious, asks softly:
« Louis, do you hear that noise? »

Louis, after listening carefully, said:
« Yes, it sounds like water flowing. »

Eleanor, with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes, says:
« Let's keep going, maybe we'll find something interesting. This water sound could lead us to a fascinating discovery. »

After a few meters, they discover a big underground(5) room. In the middle, a river flows gently. Torches light up the walls, showing old paintings. Eleanor and Louis go closer to the walls to see the drawings better.

Louis, amazed, says:
« Eleanor, look at these patterns. They tell a story. »

Eleanor, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, whispers:
« Yes, it looks like knights and battles. It's wonderful. »

After exploring the mysterious stairs of Chambord and listening to the stories of the Ghost of King Francis I, Eleanor and Louis head to the castle of Amboise. They are excited to meet an old chatty(6) crow who knows all the legends of Amboise Castle. Who were the people who lived in the castle and what was their role? The children, with their curious and adventurous spirits, were ready to discover new secrets and unravel the mysteries of history. They knew that every castle had its own legends and treasures to find. And they were determined to find them.

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