we are having super lovely times in the Loire valley! Yesterday we visited the ridiculously splendid Chambord, which was beautiful inside and out. Especially out. But inside was also cool, it wasn't fully furnished but it was interesting to read about the history and see how it had been changed by its many occupants over the years. Plus, the very excellent centrepiece - two staircases winding up to the top in one well, never meeting, leading up to the spectacular roof.
We decided that was it in terms of paying for chateaux or we'd run out of money by the end of the day, but most of them are pretty incredible from the outside anyway! It was lovely driving along the gorgeous rivers with grand houses and palaces rising up all around us! Today we went to the lovely Chenonceau, but parked across the other side of the river Cher and walked down along it to a superb, and free view of the castle spanning the river. The scenery was gorgeous, such a bright green with wildflowers scattered all around. Heaps of people were riding their bikes by the water, once again fuelling my desire to do a trains-and-bikes tour of europe. Because there's nothing like planning your next trip while you're still on your first one...
Also saw Chateau d'Usse (the supposed inspiration for Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty's castle).
We're now in Saumar, which has a rather nice chateau of its own, plus an excellent collection of carparks for sleeping in. Perfect.
Off to bed now, hope australia is being magnificent!
xx
