Pictured is the spiral staircase designed by da Vinci. Francois I brought da Vinci to France for his final years because Francois so admired da Vinci.

Chambord was really impressive. 365 fireplaces and 440 rooms. Built by Francois I, it is full of his symbol, the salamander and the letter F. Our friend Val thought that Dylan would like a gecko playing the guitar for his symbol.

We visited the enormous chateau Chambord. Thanks to the great French Pays des Chateaux trail network, we did not have too much trouble finding it. When we got close, we asked a school group of preK aged kids where to go, and their teacher told us to just follow them. So we joined a parade of cute little French kids on bikes for the last half kilometer. Next, we had a well-earned lunch outdoors in view of the 440 room chateau.

En route to Chambord, field of poppies along route. Note my construction vest provided by robin, may have saved my life during high terror dusk cycling experience to follow later in evening.