Le Relais Chenonceaux

Well we didn't really stay in Tours so I can’t say much about it. I don’t even really remember the campsite we stayed at! That’s why I should write these things right away!

The only thing I remember is the Mistletoe. I had been wondering what the big balls in all the trees were and while we were in Paris my uncle explained that they were mistletoe ...

Seeing the lights of La Meslerie fade into the distance last night was a bittersweet experience. It's a place that, for so many reasons, has become near and dear to my heart. It's not often in life that we give ourselves over to the unknown, but it's a validation of the beauty of existence that you could take a chance and be so rewarded. Granted, I only spent a month and a half in France. But when I look back on this period of my ...

... of France after the revolution, but he insisted on being crowned under the King colors rather than the tricolor of the revolution. As a result Napoleon stepped up to the plate and took the prize from under his nose. In more recent history the chateau was used to hide and store much of the Lourve's art work during WWII.

Words can't describe all that we saw in the Loire Valley so we hope our photos help.

Goodbye Loire Valley, hello Dordogne here we come!

Awoke to blue skies - yippeee - as it was forecasted for more rain. We set off to Blois chateau first thing. We never really intended to come to Blois but it was part of our multi-entry ticket. Blois is all about the architecture, however the state apartments were ...

Next stop Cheverney. This chateaux had less of a grand opening as it was able to be seen from the road, however the size of the grounds impressed. One would not have guessed what lay inside. We were wowed by Chenonceau but by Chevereny we were blown away. The detail of the rooms were simply overwhelming and at times hard to take it all in...just check out the photos we have uploaded on this page.

... that straddles the River Cher and is surrounded by gardens which even though its late October are still stunning. Inside over 3 floors we take in the places beauty - all of the rooms werer specatuarly painted withj deep blues, green and gold finishes, fine tapestries hang down the ceilings, large oil paintings litter the walls, period furniture gives us an insight into the life of its inhabitants over the years. This chateau wowed us!

... We decided to head into the heart of France and spend some time in the Loire valley looking at castles. Unfortunately, the weather had turned sour and most of the bus tours had closed down for the winter but we managed to see Chambord, the most famous chateau of the area and the castle in Blois. Chambord had been built as a hunting lodge and has an interesting history. It is now open to the public and the rooms are mostly exhibits defining the chateau ...

... around Amboise.

A place called L'epicerie was recommended by the guidebook, and their menu looked pretty good, so I thought I'd give it a try. I walked in just ahead of a party of two, and was told that they were full. Full my ass!!! It was busy, but they saw more dollar signs walk in behind me. It's the curse of the single traveler, though I've only experienced it a few times. You already discriminate against us by sticking us in a ****** seat in ...

... Our stroll in Angers starts with a walk through a beautiful garden, then a stop at McD's for the kids (there goes 8 euros!), and then some time walking through the market, with a stop at the playground before we get in the car again. We only see a little bit of the city, but it looks and feels beautiful. A great start to the day! Back in the car, we press on to Chenonceau. The kids are really struggling now with how many road trips and adventures we've gone on over ...

... sa il vizitam. Ne luam biletele si ma tot distrez eu ca aia imi vand mie bilete pentru castel, jardine si ceva cu cire. Ma prind pana la urma ca cire e ceva cu ceara. Castelul e amplasat peste apa si este cunoscut ca si castelul doamnelor. Asta pentru ca a fost sub influenta a trei femei celebre: amanta regelui, regina si mult mai tarziu bunica lui George Sand. Am vizitat camerele amenajate special pentru locuitori anteriori ai castelului, mobilier stil, opere de arta ...