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Oh my Lordy!!! I don 't know quite where to start?!? So here we are in the stunning Loire region of France amidst petrol strikes, riots and general unrest. It's been a full-on few days but we are all OK and haven't been overly affected by the feisty French goings-on. The worst that's happened is that we've had some trouble finding gazole (that is diesel to us) and what I think 90 percent of the European population use. So we asked our kind hosts for some local tips and they found us a service station where we could fill up -after driving all around the Loire region in desperation.
Anyway we're sorted now and loving this area - it is beautiful and postcard perfect. Our accommodation again is wonderful (boy I did a great job endlessly researching options online - so far we've not had a dud!!!). This place is so nice - we have our own little French cottage with 4 bedrooms and a gorgeous backyard for the kids including outdoor table tennis, petanque and lovely gardens. We've got 5 nights here and it is so comfortable - fireplace for the really cold nights and days. Jud creates these raging infernos each night that we sit in front of drinking local, fine wines! The temps have been dropping dramatically - daytime highs have been around 8 degrees and windy. But I love it - and the fashion is awesome - boots, coats, scarves and gloves. Everyone looks so chic. You can hide a lot when you're all covered up.
OK - each day we've spent exploring a different French chateaux and learning about French history. Jud is such a handy tour guide. First day was Chenonceau - wow!! Formal gardens, a moat, drawbridge, magnificent rooms, a farm and productive vege gardens and even had a maze for the kids. Such a great introduction to the chateaux for everyone.
On subsequent days we visited Blois - beautiful city set on the Loire River - like something out of a fairytale. Another beautiful cathedral and central chateau. This chateau had a magnificent helix staircase and four different periods of architecture. We weren't planning to stay for too long but you just kind of get sucked in by the majesty and history of it all.
Amboise was the next Loire city we visited and it was incredible and full of surprises. The chateau was again amazing and it was perched over the city surrounded by Roman walls but it was the beautiful grounds that I fell in love with. There was a small hillside covered in topiary trees that were all shaped like balls so the overall effect was just incredible. The next surprise was the small but exquisite little chapel set in the grounds. We knew there was a Leonardo da Vinci connection in the area - he lived his later years in Amboise and was commissioned to design a lot of the chateaux in the region including Amboise but what we didn't know when we walked into the chapel was that he was buried here. We were blown away to be standing at Leonardo's burial stone in this tiny little understated chapel. I had goosebumps all over.
We finished the day at Mini-Chateau Land. Kids thought it was brilliant (it was actually a bit lame and run-down) however it had miniature size models of all the chateaux of the region. Great way of seeing which chateaux you want to visit. So we decided Loches would be next - very ancient old chateau within a walled city from around the 10th century.
So different from the other opulent grand chateaux we'd so far seen. This was OLD and raw. Dungeons, torture devices, subterranean tunnels and caves, big, old, cavernous rooms and that was the more recent wing of the chateau from the 11th century. Joan of Arc was received here by Charles VII after defeating the English! We then climbed all over the remains of the really old 10th century chateau - OMG - only the exterior walls remaining but they've built a staircase that allows you to climb the tower all the way to the top - it was just awesome and a bit hairy for me with my heights issue. But so worth it - WOW!! I'll have to show you the photos but of course they won't do it justice.
So that was Loches and we were all a bit blown away by it. We finished our day back at Montrichard, which was our local closest big town set on the River Cher and where we first started our Loire adventure. So so so cold - icy winds and our clothing was starting to feel quite inadequate. Then a wander through the little village we were staying in - Faverolles sue Cher - very small, very quaint, very French. I fell in love with this place. The local park is like a postcard from a wonderland. Little canal with a mini island, gardens and seats, planter boxes overflowing with flowers and greener than green grass. The most picturesque quiet place to just sit and be. Aaaahh!!
The following day was our departure and it was really sad leaving - I've just loved it here so much and so have Jud and the kids. Beautiful weather, scenery, friendly people and just peaceful.
So it was goodbye Loire Valley and time now for Disney and Paris and our fab little Peugot - Penelope. We will really miss her - she's been a great car and served us well. We did one final visit on the way out and that was to Chambord Chateau - probably the grandest of all the chateaux. Because of all the unrest in France at the moment there was a general strike which we were a bit worried about. But it worked in our favour - because they had limited staff the entry was free - bonus because it is the most expensive of all. Again another amazing, ornate chateau with very opulent rooms and an amazing double helix staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. So fantastic - the kids have not grown bored with the chateaux and the history - they are really into it, except for maybe Ava, who has a very limited attention span with a lot of this. But Ned in particular is loving it. Anyway we've now done all the biggies of the chateaux and it's now time for Disneyland (what a contrast). So we'll talk again prob from Paris. Kisses to all and sorry we've not been able to reply to emails but we figure not long to go now and we'll be home and see everyone. Love the Bakers.
- comments
Beatrice Hello again..........good to hear you're all having such a great time and keeing out of trouble. It all sounds fantastic and wish I was there! Look forward to hearing about more adventures.....take care, Beatrice xxxx
Wendy Enjoying your historical jaunts! Europe wasn't quite the same when I was 21, eating nothing but bread & wine, and living on 5 pounds/day. The Gympie Invitational was yesterday. Mila brought home bags of ribbons. All the kids did well. The comp was well represented by the Cooroy club. All asking after you.
Louise How refreshing after yet another crap day at the office!! Everyday I come rushing home from work to jump on the laptop in hope of another update. Today has been my lucky day - thanks Deb. xx
Belinda We want a slide show when you get back. I'll bring nibblies
Louise I agree with Belinda. I can bring alcohol...