Left this beautiful city of Bordeaux and this lovely region this morning. Our next stop was the town of Cognac, famous for the brandy. Learned while all cognac is brandy, not all brandy is cognac, as it must be made in that region.
Stopped at a pretty Château du Royal Cognac for an informational tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable with both the history of the Château and its many inhabitants, as well as the making and history of cognac as well.
Cognac is made from a type of white wine, and it is quite a process, that may take up to 60 years to complete! France actually only keeps 2% of the cognac it produces, while the other 98% is shipped abroad .
After a tasting, back on board for a long trip to the Loire Valley. This beautiful valley contains some of France’s most magnificent chateaus.
Finally got to Chateau de Chenonceau. What a wonderful spot! With its gorgeous castle on the water, two beautiful gardens, maze, medieval farm, forest, and vegetable and flower gardens, this truly is a special place.
Took a self guided tour, and managed to hit every spot except the maze in our brief time here.
The castle was filled with beautiful tapestries, period furnishings, fantastic art work, and magnificent floral arrangements straight from these grand gardens. The garden were alive with lovely flowers, grasses, bushes, and fountains, and seemed to be in their prime. Amazing!
Wondered through the farm, flower and vegetable garden and briefly through the forest ( covered with beautiful pink flowers) to complete our tour. On to the bus, and our hotel. Edo had our keys already, and Francois had our bags in our room. Fantastic .
Enjoyed a lovely dinner and drinks at this pretty hotel with our new friends, then off to bed for our last ride and day in Paris.