When we planned this trip we realised we would be away around the time of our wedding anniversary so we decided to add a few days to include this. We had to get back to France anyway as our original flight bookings were to and from Paris. So after some astute research, Adrienne found us a wonderful spot in the Loire Valley.
We had an early flight arriving into Paris late morning and after collecting our car were on our way. Driving in the French landscape is much more open then (generally) in the UK so whilst Adrienne enjoyed a nap or two once we were out of the chaos of Paris, I enjoyed surverying the countryside as we drove along. It was interesting coming out of Paris as we entered a long tunnel – at least 10 kilometres long – which only had a roof height of about 2 metres. There were numerous ‘dangling deterents” as we approched for any over height vehicles as warning before entering the tunnel. It was a bit like the scene in Star Wars when you first enter “hyperspace” – with bright lights and a dark space ahead of you !
Our main two nights in the area were in Ambois in the Loire Valley at a chateau called Chateau des Arpentis. It was first established in the 1300’s and King Louis XIII has dinner there in 1619. The curent owners acquired it in 2006 and have made renovations to its current state, including a separate building at the side of the main courtyard looking back at the chateau which is a luxurious self contained apartment.
We went to the local supermarket to stock up on provisions for our two days here and arrived mid afternoon. Our room was spacious and we had outdoor seating where we could sit and look at the chateau as well as the courtyard and surrounding area – a small creek running below a lake and distant fields. The cellar area of the chateau itself has a labyrinth of tunnels which were obviously used for wine storage at some point and a tunnel now leads to a lower outdoor area with a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen area. Also in the main chateau are large numbers of stuffed animals, trophies from the early hunting days.
Our first evening we sat outside our mini chateau and had meats, cheeses, salad and other snacks with our champagne. The nexr morning we catered for ourselves with croissants and fruit then headed off to visit two other local chateaus. Chenonceau you may have seen photos of as it literally spans the river Cher with its arched foundations allowing the river to flow underneath. It has become known as the “Ladies Castle” as owners/residents have been various influential women during the ages. In WWII it was basically located on the border of occupied France and Vichy France as the river acted as the boundary between the two. The Resistance used it to move people and information between the two under the noses of German patrols.
The second castle was in nearby Amboise where Château d’Amboise has a commanding spot above the town and overlooking the river. We had a walking tour of the town before visiting the castle. In a Chapel which is part of the castle lies the grave of Leonardo de Vinci who lived the later part of his life and died in Amboise. After the castle we found a little cafe to have some lunch and then returned to our chateau for more champagne – a birthday treat from Adrienne’s Mum & Dad – to celebrate my birthday – never been outside Australia on my birthday before !
Our last day we had to head back to Paris to be ready for an early flight – the start of our journey home. We treated ourselves to breakfast in the main chateau before we left. On the way back to Paris we visited another castle – definitely the biggest we’ve seen – Chateau de Chambord. From the time you enter the “front gate” it is over 3 kilometres to the car park and then a further walk to the castle. The grounds are huge and as we walked around various areas were being set up ot pulled down for events. Interestingly, it was a base for storage of French art collections at the beginning of WWII as German forces advanced on Paris. Priceless collections were sent here to be stored and/or moved to other locations.
The drive back to Paris was about 3 hours and as we got closer the traffic got worse and worse, even as we tried taking the out lying roads. Instead of staying at an “on-site” airport hotel again, Adrienne’s research had found a nice option not too far away in the small town of Gressy, about 15 minutes from the airport. It gave us a nice option for a special “end of tour” dinner and to celebrate our wedding anniversary. After getting our final packing organised and ready for an early start we had a drink in the bar and then went to the restaurant. We nearly had the place to ourselves however the food was excellent as was the french champagne. A lovely way to finish off our tour.
It has been another tour meticulously planned by my wonderful Adrienne with hardly a glitch – and even she couldn’t have planned for our slight drama when we showed up in Llandudno and they “were closed”. Thank you my darling – time to start on the next adventure !
Until we are next “On Tour”, thanks for following along !