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.