Day 7

Today, all 5 of us piled into the car for the trip to the Loire Valley. T had identified 5 chateaus for us to visit on our day trip. It took approximately 2 hours to reach the first chateau -- Chambord. When we arrived, it was apparent that there was some event at the chateau because there were gendarmeries (police) everywhere directing traffic. There were thousands of people on the property for a "Game Fair." We have not quite ascertained what a "Game Fair" is but there were lots of guns, gunfire, and animal furs! The chateau was similar to others we have seen with a mote around the chateau, large gardens, and a canal. What was most spectacular was the double spiral staircase just inside the entry and interesting exterior. After Chambord, we made our way through the serene french countryside to Cheverny. Although quite a bit smaller than the other chateaus we have visited (Vaux le Vicomte, Versailles, Fontainebleau, and Chambord), Cheverny was completed restored and the interior was exquisite. It was last used as a residence in 1985 and the relatively recent use meant that the decor was in excellent condition. After Cheverny, we wound our way through more small french villages and countryside to Chateau de Chenonceau. The entry to the chateau which straddles the Loire river was similar to the treelined paths leading to southern plantations (although the trees were taller than those in the southern United States). The chateau was striking and the interior was interesting and included a painting by Ruben, but the most striking part of the property were the rose gardens which were in bloom. After Chenonceau, we treated ourselves to what has become a traditional afternoon glace (ice cream) and the girls ordered and paid for their own! Our ride home felt short as we listened to a story on the ipod: The Ride of Our Lives. It is now 8:03. We are cooking pasta for dinner (another tradition that we have developed to accomodate C's food allergies) and T and H are enjoying a dip in the pool in their french bikinis. Hope to post some pictures after dinner. Tomorrow we will venture back in to Paris to see more museums and perhaps Sacre Coeur. Au revoir.