In the Loire Valley
My folks and sister had never been to the Loire Valley so I felt a brief excursion to visit some chateaus and perhaps taste some wines was in order. We used Amboise as our base and it prove to be an inspired choice with a chateau, restaurants, and shops all within walking distance of our hotel.
Amboise was impressive for its architecture, commanding view over the city and the Loire, and as the final resting place of Leonardo DaVinci.....
We had two other chateaus on our must-visit list, Chenonceau and Chambord, and it was the former that won our hearts. From its impressive approach, sumptuous surrounding gardens, and breathtaking location over water, Chenonceau was meant for pleasure.
It was not surprising then that we spent nearly 5 hours there
visiting the chateau....
....rowing the waters around the chateau...
....learning about history at the wax museum......
.....and enjoying a leisurely lunch at the Orangerie restaurants on the grounds of the museum.
It was not surprising that we found Chambord impressive in size but less intimate than Chenonceau. Chambord was in fact a fortress chateau so its architecture reflected that:
If given a choice to visit or -- in a fantasy world -- live, Chenonceau would win hands down.
Orr d’oeuvres
Sunday, August 5, 2007
