Day 3, Tuesday May 6, 2014
Today we head to Chinon with stops along the way at Amboise to view Leonardo da Vinci's home, and a stop at the very elegant Chateau de Chenonceau.
Our first stop was in Amboise to view Chateau du Clos-Luce and Leonardo da Vinci Park. Leaving Rome, Leonardo spent his last three years of his life at this chateau. He was invited to stay here by France's Renaissance king, Francois I, so he could enjoy Leonardo's company. The chateau and park contain many of the models of Leonardo's inventions. Here are some pictures below.
Our first stop was in Amboise to view Chateau du Clos-Luce and Leonardo da Vinci Park. Leaving Rome, Leonardo spent his last three years of his life at this chateau. He was invited to stay here by France's Renaissance king, Francois I, so he could enjoy Leonardo's company. The chateau and park contain many of the models of Leonardo's inventions. Here are some pictures below.
After a visit to Leonardo's home, we had a little time to explore Amboise. Some highlights are shown below.
After our visit to Amboise, we were off to visit the Chateau de Chenonceau. This 16th-century palace with its many arches span the Cher River. Chenonceau was the first palace built for pleasure and not defense. Henry Bohier was the original owner but was gone on the king's business so much that his wife, Katherine Briconnet, made most of the decisions during its original construction starting in 1513. In 1547 King Henry II gave the chateau to a mistress, Diane de Poiters. She added a bridge with arches across the Cher River to gain access to the hunting grounds. When King Henry II died in Paris in a jousting accident, his wife Catherine de Medicis kicked Diane out. Catherine added the three story structure on Diane's bridge making it the place to see and be seen by local aristocracy. Take a look at the highlights below.
After our amazing visit to the Chateau de Chenonceau, we headed to Chinon were we would have a group dinner. Dinner was chef's choice and it was wonderful. Rick Steves' tours always provide a good sampling of the local cuisine and this dinner did just that. Take a look at the highlights of our walk to the restaurant and great dinner below.
Day 4, Wednesday May 7, 2014
Today we took a side trip from Chinon to view the Villandry Chateau and the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and then returned to Chinon for some free time and then wine tasting in our hotel.
Our first visit of the day was to Villandry. Villandry was the last great Renaissance chateau built on the Loire. It was finished in 1536. It has a beautiful Italian Renaissance garden with geometric patterns that are very elaborate and immaculately groomed. The gardens contain 10 acres with 85,000 flower and vegetable plants which are replanted twice a year. They are carefully tended by 10 full time gardeners. These gardens are considered to be the best in the Loire Valley. I think you would agree after taking a look at the following.
Our first visit of the day was to Villandry. Villandry was the last great Renaissance chateau built on the Loire. It was finished in 1536. It has a beautiful Italian Renaissance garden with geometric patterns that are very elaborate and immaculately groomed. The gardens contain 10 acres with 85,000 flower and vegetable plants which are replanted twice a year. They are carefully tended by 10 full time gardeners. These gardens are considered to be the best in the Loire Valley. I think you would agree after taking a look at the following.
Our next stop of the day was the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau. This chateau was built between 1518 and 1527 by the treasurer to the king of France. It was built on an island in the Indre River simply for luxurious living. It was so lavish that King Francois I seized it and the owner fled. One of the most notable items is the main staircase in the middle of the chateau. It is not in an attached tower as was usual at the time. the stairs also has straight flights instead of the usual round staircase. Take a look at this chateau below.
Here are some pictures of our Charming Hotel Diderot and the sleepy town of Chinon taken while exploring during free time.
Our final activity today was the wine tasting hosted by the hotel owner, Laurent. He gave a great presentation, was very funny, and the wine was great. Some pictures of this event follow.
Tomorrow we leave Chinon and make a sombering stop at the Oradour sur Glane World War II Memorial before reaching Sarlat.