The rooms were beautifully appointed with modern provincial furniture and styling, and the rest of the chateau (including huge outdoor heated pool on the edge of the forest) were maintained tastefully. It was hard to leave for our day trip the next day.
With literally hundreds of Chateau and wineries in the Loire valley, and only one whole day to visit them, we decided to do one Chateau (Chambord) and one winery (Domaine De Montcy - Cherverny) during the day, allowing us some down time by the pool in the afternoon before heading out again in the evening.
Chambord Castle is stunning and it was a joy to visit a castle out of Paris, no crowds!
Chambord is the largest château in the Loire valley. It was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francois I. The original design of the Château de Chambord is attributed, though with several doubts, to Domenico de Cortona. Though some say that Leonardo da Vinci ( who retired to the area) may have had some influence on the design.
Chambord took many years to construct (1519–1547).
After Chambord we visited the beautiful town of Blois where we at lunch and had a wander about. We took in the St. Louis Cathedral and the beautiful cobbled streets.
Right across from our Chateau was the organic winery of Domaine de Montcy. We had tried their rosé the night before (I am so in love with rosé right now!) and it was divine so decided it would be our winery of choice. It was an understated cellar door but we were greeted by the most delightful fellow who treated us like old friends for the duration of our visit. We tried many varietals and were blown away by the flavours. On site they grew: Chardonnay, savignon, Pinot noir, gamay, and the local grape Romorontin. Their organic blends resulted in some delightful wines, many of which we took with us to share with friends on the riviera next week (including a couple of bottles of kids champagne "sans alkool" which our "friend" had been pouring Fin throughout our visit). As we popped into the warehouse to pick up our wine, we noted a wall absolutely covered in awards.
Ken asked him why they kept the awards out the back away from view. He said "we want our visitors to decide for themselves about our wines, that is what it is all about". Great philosophy.
After afternoon swims and snoozes, we headed out to a delightful town on the Loire River, Amboise. Stunning town in the shadows of the Chateau Amboise. With bellies full we then drove to Chateau Chenonceau, which reopens at 9.30pm during July and August to show off it's castle and gardens by night, flooded in light. It was so stunning. The kids ran through garden mazes which had just the right amount if light hitting them, spotting a deer in the forest as they came out the other side.
A short walk through the forest the took us to the castle, bathed beautifully in golden light and classical music echoing out of it. It was magical. The Manicured gardens and fountains surrounding the castle were also tastefully lit up and we spent some time soaking up the beauty of it.
It was 11pm by the time we left, feeling that we had visited a special place. We were delighted to see as we watched the Tour de France the next day, that this very castle was featured, as the riders went speeding past.
Pics below: Our Chateau Du Breiul, Chambord, Kids and I in Blois, and Our night visit to Chateau Chenonceau.... Xoxo
Ken asked him why they kept the awards out the back away from view. He said "we want our visitors to decide for themselves about our wines, that is what it is all about". Great philosophy.
After afternoon swims and snoozes, we headed out to a delightful town on the Loire River, Amboise. Stunning town in the shadows of the Chateau Amboise. With bellies full we then drove to Chateau Chenonceau, which reopens at 9.30pm during July and August to show off it's castle and gardens by night, flooded in light. It was so stunning. The kids ran through garden mazes which had just the right amount if light hitting them, spotting a deer in the forest as they came out the other side.
A short walk through the forest the took us to the castle, bathed beautifully in golden light and classical music echoing out of it. It was magical. The Manicured gardens and fountains surrounding the castle were also tastefully lit up and we spent some time soaking up the beauty of it.
It was 11pm by the time we left, feeling that we had visited a special place. We were delighted to see as we watched the Tour de France the next day, that this very castle was featured, as the riders went speeding past.
Pics below: Our Chateau Du Breiul, Chambord, Kids and I in Blois, and Our night visit to Chateau Chenonceau.... Xoxo
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