Just about to finish up the most amazing three days at chateau de charge (Loire valley retreat) Have had dinner prepared by their onsite French chef phillipe who does a kids meal at 6.30, followed by a four course adults meal at 8.30 for 22 dollars a head, or 8 dollars for the kids.... Delightful! He even gave the kids a cooking lesson this afternoon which they loved! We dragged ourselves away today to visit chateau usse which inspired the sleeping beauty stor...

We drove to chinon yesterday and arrived at the best place yet, by a country mile!. A 14 century chateau , some parts of it dating back to roman times. Our bathroom is the 14 century round tower with arrow slit and 1 1/2 metre thick walls. The rest of the house is built in 1689. It has a moat (now dry) and tunnels now converted to cellars, an absolute steal at less than a holiday inn in Melbourne. I could spend all day looking at the 16 th century oak staircase...