"How can anyone govern a nation that has 240 different kinds of cheese?" - Charles de Gaulle
***** May 24 *****
It's time to get this show on the road! Today we meet our coach driver, Philippe, who takes us into the Loire. Before the tour I had worried that the chateaus would be stuffy and boring, but I was wrong. The days touring chateaus was a highlight of our tour.
First stop is the charming town of Amboise. We really enjoyed Chateau du Clos-Luce. Leonardo da Vinci spent his final three years here. The home seemed surprisingly livable. The basement is filled with sketches and models of many of da Vinci's inventions. It is incredible what he invented 500 years ago; tanks, flying machines, etc. If only he had a combustible engine! Wander around the grounds of the chateau and you find life sized models da Vinci's inventions.
Next is Chateau de Chenonceau. This was one of my wow moments! You approach on foot down a tree lined path and then get your first look at the river straddling chateau. The chateau is beautiful! The Grand Gallery was my favorite; royal but classic. I can't image how cool it would be to have attended a party here. The kitchen had a lived in look with fresh flowers on the tables and gleaming copper pots on the counters.
For dinner our group enjoyed a gastronomic experience at Chapeau Rouge. Our entrees were presented with silver domes that the staff lifted all at once to reveal our dinners. I had a delicious wild fish and received the business card of the fish monger that had caught my fish. Next time I need fresh fish in Chinon I will know who to call!
First stop is the charming town of Amboise. We really enjoyed Chateau du Clos-Luce. Leonardo da Vinci spent his final three years here. The home seemed surprisingly livable. The basement is filled with sketches and models of many of da Vinci's inventions. It is incredible what he invented 500 years ago; tanks, flying machines, etc. If only he had a combustible engine! Wander around the grounds of the chateau and you find life sized models da Vinci's inventions.
Next is Chateau de Chenonceau. This was one of my wow moments! You approach on foot down a tree lined path and then get your first look at the river straddling chateau. The chateau is beautiful! The Grand Gallery was my favorite; royal but classic. I can't image how cool it would be to have attended a party here. The kitchen had a lived in look with fresh flowers on the tables and gleaming copper pots on the counters.
For dinner our group enjoyed a gastronomic experience at Chapeau Rouge. Our entrees were presented with silver domes that the staff lifted all at once to reveal our dinners. I had a delicious wild fish and received the business card of the fish monger that had caught my fish. Next time I need fresh fish in Chinon I will know who to call!
***** May 25 *****
Our hotel has a wonderful breakfast spread; goat cheese, homemade jams and flaky croissants. I can't get enough goat cheese!
First stop is Chateau de Villandry. The gardens are spectacular! The grounds are maintained by ten full time gardeners. There are structured gardens, herb gardens, wild flower gardens and even a hedge maze. We arrived early and had the entire place to ourselves. Next was Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau which has lots of tapestries. On our way home we stop for a quick photo op at Chateau d'Usse, which inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
Back to Hotel Diderot for some relaxation and wine. The owner, Jon Pierre, provides us with an informative wine tasting. All the wines are local to the region and are paired with local food too (more goat cheese!).
First stop is Chateau de Villandry. The gardens are spectacular! The grounds are maintained by ten full time gardeners. There are structured gardens, herb gardens, wild flower gardens and even a hedge maze. We arrived early and had the entire place to ourselves. Next was Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau which has lots of tapestries. On our way home we stop for a quick photo op at Chateau d'Usse, which inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
Back to Hotel Diderot for some relaxation and wine. The owner, Jon Pierre, provides us with an informative wine tasting. All the wines are local to the region and are paired with local food too (more goat cheese!).
7 rue Diderot
37500 Chinon |