Chateaux abound in the Loir-et-Cher.

The chateaux of which I speak are large, stately palaces and castles that date from as early as the 11th century. Most have played major roles in French and European history. (As recently as World War II, Chenonceau served as an escape route between occupied and controlled but free France, and Chambord held many of the Louvre's masterpieces safe from Nazi pilfering.)

This week we have skittered about several of them, but by no means have we exhausted the luxuriant bounty open for exploration. We dropped into Chenonceau on Sunday after visiting a winery in Montrichard. Bob, Shawn & I drove to Cheverny & Chambord on Monday while Toby & the Richards took a pilgrimage to Richard N.'s ancestral home. And on Tuesday, we all explored Blois (both the chateau & the town).

Here are a few photos to introduce you to this lot of architectural masterpieces that provided a roof over much of French history. However, please note that we have only scratched the surface. The opportunities are too rich to indulge in every one.