Today we went to the BIG one – Chambord – a giant of a Chateau. Rather too large and certainly too cold. Even the owners – over the years a few kings and assorted relatives – decided to only spend a minimum of nights there. One said there were too many mozzies in summer and it was too cold in winter. Despite its beautiful grounds and imposing size I tend to agree.
We also visited Boise – a rather nice town on the river Loire further upstream from Amboise.
Then in the afternoon went to Cheverny – a modest , by comparison , chateau still owned by the same family. It’s rather beautiful and practical and I could imagine living there. Apparently the family still live on the upper level, but I think that’s a bit of a story as the place is open 365 days a year and they would never be able to escape the tourists or let their 3 children run around on the lawn. Again the gardens are lovely but with tourists all over it would be a little difficult to ride your bike around if you were a kid!
Our last evening, we visited Chantal, the owner of our little house, known as ” the little blue door” anyone coming to this area I recommend you stay here. The views across the river to the castle are magic.
Tomorrow we are up early – for us , as we have been sleeping in till around 9 each day. I hope the Harrison’s are not going to rush out each day from our Paris flat before at least 10!
Keep the emails coming , as I like to get the news.
frans travel tales 