Monday, June 3, 2013

Day Tripping

 
Today we took a train to Tour to visit some of the many chateaux along the Loire and Cher River Valleys.
 
Amboise, Clos Luce, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, and Villandry.
Honestly, it was two too many in one day.  Three would have been enough to take in and digest.
 
Azay-le-Riedeau used the salamander as the emblem of Francois I...

...and had a great portrait of this Duke and Duchess.
 
Villandry has become famous for its grand gardens.  They're organic too!
 
This goldfinch appeared to enjoy the gardens as much as I did.
 
Dozens of swallows were setting up housekeeping in the eaves of the chateau.
 
Chateau du Clos Luce is famous as the place Leonard da Vinci lived the last three years of his life (who knew?).  From his bedroom window he looked upon the King of France's chateau.
 
Ah Chenonceau - first the home of the mistress, and later the widow of Henry II (as you might expect the widow remodelled extensively!).  Gotta love the Gallery.
 
Ambois, perched high atop a bluff first fortified by the Romans, had spectacular views that stretched for miles.
 
I particularly liked looking down upon the rooftops of the town.
 
You asked for it Mary - here's today's bride being photographed at Chenonceau.  And thus ends today's tour.

13 comments:

  1. I love the photo of the rooftops, it's so European. I can't believe how many weddings you've seen - it has to be Spring:-)

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  2. Wow! What beautiful sites you are seeing. I love seeing the French old fashioned town and chateaux and stuff. Beautiful!

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  3. The roof top photo is wonderful. When we were in Germany, most of the roofs were red and fairly plain. I loved seeing all the Chateaus, so beautiful and with fascinating histories.

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  4. OOH sensory overload! Those gardens are amazing. Love the rooftop pics...looks like a simpler life.

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  5. Such beautiful photos,love the cobbled street photo. Seeing Brides are good luck....you and Mom will be overflowing with good luck on this trip.

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  6. What a fun day! I love those old chateaux. I never tire of them and the stories they have to tell.

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  7. Oooooohhhh Beth! Wow! That IS a lot for one day!

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  8. Awesome! Wish I were a stowaway in your luggage!

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  9. Beautiful pictures, Beth! I love the birds, and those formal gardens--they must have a ton of gardeners working there to keep everything so manicured(!), and that amazing gallery with the black and while floor--wow!

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  10. Incredible tours and sights. the one photo of the roof tops looks like Disneyland's Fantasyland...But your sight is all real. Love seeing another bride. The gallery blk&White floor - Gorgeous. love Annette

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  11. Oh, what gorgeous photos! Those gardens are phenomenal--can't imagine the upkeep on them... And more brides--wow! France really is the country of love :)

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