Novotel Amboise

Our final chateau - Chambord. Everything about Chambord is done on a grand scale and on apporaching the chateau one is awe struck by the size, not only of the chateau but the grounds which cover 35sq kms! Inside has over 400 rooms, some bare conrete walls, some with renaissance art hanging on the walls and several had the full works - tapestries, furniture, frescos. <br><br>The history of the chateau was also very interesting as it was home to whom would have been next ...

... as they contained some lovely period furniture and frescos on the roofs and walls. 4 types of architcutre can be seen from standing in the centre court yard - flamboyant gothic, classical, early renaissance, and gothic. Our favourite was the renaissance wing. <br>

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.

From Amboise we had a short drive to Chenonceau where we keen toursits along with one tour group we there early and had to wait 10 minutes until the chateau opened for day. Once through the gates it was a lovely walk through the forest where the leaves were all changing colour - amber, yellow, red - so pretty. As we approach the end of the forest the chateau appears before us and its like stepping into a fairy tale. The chateau sat on ...

... history and grandeur. It was quite extravagant and took us 4 hrs to see all of it. The grounds were just as impressive - serving as a nature reserve with an abundance of wildlife. The circumference of walls built around the property is about 35 kms in length.<br>The castle in Blois was smaller but also interesting, composed of several wings built in different time periods and styles.<br>Having completed our detour, we headed for our last stop in France: Paris.

... to be savoured and enjoyed. Just like every Spanish senorita should be ogled by a creepy Canadian. <br><br>The sandwich was simple - ham, cheese, and tons of butter. Wicked baguette, as good as a baguette I once had in Monaco (see blog entry entitled "At least he didn't grab his ******!"<br>http://www.travelpod.com/tr avel-blog-entries/pwong/europe_2006/115 4026320/tpod.html ) So crusty and chewy, it's the kind of baguette you have to bite into and shake your ...

... what a plug was, he fold us I'd was behind the light (granted the light were mounted with no wire or plug near them)... We think he thought we wanted to know where the electricity was coming from because we asked about the electric plug. He was frustrated with the American girls, ESP katy who was on the phone with him, and said "the reception is now closed,okay?" Aka please stop asking me dumb questions, okay? Today we came to the Loire valley ...