It rained all night and all day. Mileage 100 miles.
Drove to Chateau de Chambord built as a hunting lodge starting in 1519 keeping 1800 workers and artisans busy for 15 years. That was just the start. Some hunting lodge! There is a double helix staircase which may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci who lived nearby at Amboise where I plan to visit tomorrow. I did find it all fascinating.
The chateau is set in the middle of 54 sq. kms hunting preserve where there are walking and cycling trails. I stopped to give Sach a walk and was delighted to find patches of juicy wild strawberries.
Then I drove onto Cheverny which was interesting again but in a different way.
This chateau is magnificently furnished with the best of the period. It is truly indescribable as it would take so long. The family still live in one of the wings.
The Mona Lisa was hidden in the orangerie in WWII.
This is also Tintin's chateau.
I did witness La Soupe de Chiens where they feed the 50 plus hunting dogs. They put all the stinking raw meat in a line in the middle of the yard and the dogs have to wait until the command then it is free for all. I found it strange that as soon as it finished they all peed.
I called in at the tourist office and the man didn't seem to know very much.
Drove towards Blois to find a MacDonalds for the free wifi. Found one but could not get out of the area. Sat nav taking me to no entry or exit places.
So I just drove and found a village where there was supposed to be a campsite. This campsite was actually miles away and awkward to find but here I am at the Camping Val de Blois. Corinne at reception charged me 14.40 not charging me for the dog as she said I was nice.
There was a lovely sunset. Yes the sun did come out in the end.
The downside is that there is some slight thumping bass from somewhere now at 11pm. I think it is the same people who let their dog roam about and who peed all around the van much to Sacha's disgust.
Also there are so many wining Mosquitos around I have just killed a few but there is still a pesky one around. I can hear it but can't see it. Better get it.
Aargh poor Sach. They have a son et lumiere show in the castle in Blois and it has just started with fireworks which freak her out.
I have just squashed 2 Mosquitos and my hands are all bloody. Is it mine or Sacha's or someone else's? Either way it is horrible.