Family Travels Loire Valley |
The Loire River Valley is home to over 1000 castles, palaces and hunting lodges. Walk into fairytale heaven. Each castle out-shines the next. Visit one for the rooftop views...another for the glorious inside furnishings...another for its famous gardens. Plan your days with variety. Here are some of the highlights. We spent five nights here...our favorite..our stay in the B&B chateau in our very own cottage |
Date Last Visited -- 2009 |
Chateau de Chambord |
The granddaddy of all chateaux--possibly Europe's finest A Royal hunting lodge with 440 rooms. What makes this so impressive are the rooftop views as your walk amongst the spires and chimneys. Also a great spot for a picnic |
Chateau Cheverny |
Known for its lavishly furnished interior. Built from 1604-1634..so spared during the French Revolution |
Chateau Amboise |
Visit this Castle during the evening as the locals put on a fabulous Sound and Light Show as they re-enact moments of historical importance. Ask at the TI for more information |
Chateau Chenonceaux |
This castle is dramatic and beautiful. The castle's two story extension over the bridge makes this a show stopper. The inside is nice..but don't miss this view. Exit the great hall...get a ticket to re-entry. |
Fourgeres-sur-Bievre |
Worth a quick stop...great castle construction exhibits. Just how did they build these castles anyway. Great picnic spot out front near the water |
Chateau de Clos-Luce |
King Francois I gifted Leonardo da Vinci this Chateau to entice him to his court. Now full of replicas of his inventions...it is memorable place to learn about this great man Come play and explore |
Chateau Usse |
We took a rather long drive to find this one. from the outside....so we had a picnic. |
Chateau Chaumont - sur- Loire |
Come for the Festival of Gardens. Each year 25 elaborate gardens are newly landscaped with themes. You will love it |
Villandry |
Totally castled out...we took a quick and headed out for dinner. Don't miss this Dining Experience of a Lifetime |
You are in Wine Country. We saw signs for wine tasting and stop at this privately owned chateau for a little sip or two |
The Surrounding Area What to do When You have had Enough Castles |
Amboise is Chinon on the Vienne River. The town is topped with another castle (that we skipped) We spent some time shopping and wine tasting |
Chinon |
Blois |
This small town offers a little taste of the metropolitan. Come for the shopping and strolling of the streets. We skipped the castle but loved the little park in front of the church |
Amboise |
Fun Pedestrian friendly little town. Don't miss the Market Day on Sunday at the river. Don't miss the Sound and Light Show in the evening in the backdrop of the castle. Come stroll the streets and find something good to eat. |
In the Shade of the Castle almost opposite the entry way L'Epicerie 46 place Michel Debre Serves plain, traditional food Good cheap eats |
La Cave Voltaire Wine Tasting Near place de General du Gaulle on 13 rue Voltaire Fun, easy...no pressure to buy |
This rustic farmhouse complete with pigs, goats and bunnies...will delight you with a gourmet meal you will never forget. Get to Villandry and ask directions. Find it...you won't regret it! Etape Gourmande Domaine da la Giraudiere Tel. 02.47.50.08.60 info@letapegourmande.com |
Come play with Da Vinci's inventions |
Definitely one of our favorite B&B's of all time. This is THE place to stay the estate..but the true treasure is a small gardener's cottage...with kitchen, living room, AC bedrooms So Charming Domaine des Bidaudieres Chambres Tel. 02.47.30.53.79 www.bidaudieres.com |