Loire Valley

Had a day driving around the Loire Valley today, so we didn’t have to have too early a morning because of the two night stay in Tours.

The first place we went to was Chateau de Chenonceaux  (The Ladys Chateau)  first built in the 1100s but rebuilt much as it is today in the 1500s.  It is built over the Cher River, a tributary of the Loire River.  It is a fast flowing river and provided good defences and was ideal for trade and for getting supplies.  It is lovingly kept and is in beautiful condition.  The gardens are exceptionally neat.   It has a large formal garden and a maze.  I nearly got lost – Pam helped me out and we have been together ever since!!! 

From there we visit the Monmousseau Winery, where, you guessed it, there is a wine cellar a couple of kilometres long in the limestone caves which were carved out hundreds of years ago to use as houses.  Now very well used!!!

From there we went to Amboise, had a bite to eat, and went up to the Chateau of Amboise which is perched high above the Loire River.  The grounds at the chateau is where Leonardo de Vinci is buried in a special little chapel.  He lived in Amboise for 3 years, we visited his house.  He asked that he be buried at the chateau when he died.

Busy day and made it back to the motel in Tours just a little late.  Have to be up early tomorrow or we’ll miss the bus!! 

Road in to Chateau de Chenonceaux

Hallway over the river between the gate house and the main chateau

Fresh flowers in the hall

Checking out the formal garden and river below

The gate house

Pam looking at home in the kitchen

Chapel in the chateau

Making a wish at the gate house.

The stables

Think this is our first selfie!!!

Large formal garden

Gate in to the maze

Almost lost completely

View of the chateaux from Mr Google

Entry to the Monmousseau Winery - built right up against the mountain for a very good reason.

First room of the winery - the ceiling is the limestone of the hill - through that door is the cellar.

Not happy - lets GO!!!!

Heaven in a bottle - in several bottles even.

and in boxes.

Smiling at the thought of all that red.

Tradesman entry to the cellars

The Loire River

Grave of Leonardo de Vinci

The chapel where the grave is located.

Gardens at the Chateau of Amboise.

Nice warm fire so we can defrost.

Our French guide, Emmanuel (easy on the eye I'm told) leading us through the Chateau.

Easy place to defend.

View of the garden and Loire River

Bridge over the Loire River.

That chapel again - bye Leo!!!

Houses built into the limestone.

No airconditioning required.