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Published: June 10th 2015
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Chenonceau
Approaching the chateau through an avenue of trees Sunday 7 June 2015
Both the Château of Chenonceau and the nearby town of Amboise are places we really want to see and on this sunny early summer day we did. Our intention was to get to Chenonceau early and avoid the crowds, as we well remember an uncomfortably crowded Versailles on our visit there four years ago. Despite our good intentions, the reality of driving even short distances over beautiful back roads meant our arrival at the glorious place that is Chenonceau was a little delayed, but there was no problem finding a park in the shade (both free), then strolling leisurely up the drive with the Château showing through the trees. We seemed to have beaten the tour groups and were able to enjoy the experience without jostling for position.
Chenonceau is simply stunning. Its design means all the living areas are contained within the turreted part of the edifice and the well known portion that sits majestically across the River Cher houses the long Gallery or ballroom. Originally this was a bridge built by Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry ll. The king had given Chenonceau to Diane. Meanwhile Henry's wife Catherine de' Medici must
Chenonceau
The chateau over the River Cher have been a trifle upset, because on the death of Henry, Diane was moved out and Catherine proceeded to build the Gallery on top of Diane's bridge. The story of Chenonceau is fascinating, and the walk through rooms decorated and furnished as they were is irresistible. So many grand beds to look at, then there are the kitchens below stairs. In fact they are built within the piers of the bridge and even have a window through which supplies delivered by boat were hoisted.
The gardens of Chenonceau are works of art with carefully chosen flower colours that are repeated throughout each large section. Symmetry is everywhere and we enjoyed a final stroll, appreciating the views that also include the river flowing peacefully beneath the Château walls. As we left, the marching of tour groups was well under way. A grand time to leave.
On we went into Amboise, stopping briefly to check on Leonardo da Vinci's Garden, but with time disappearing fast we decided to leave that until our next visit. We found a park on the street very close to the beautiful castle near the Loire. It being Sunday we hoped for free parking but our
Chenonceau
One of many beds on display French was not good enough to pick up such detail from the pay machine. When a young couple parked right behind us we checked with them as best we could and enjoyed a delightful chat. These encounters are some of the greatest pleasures of our travel. And the parking was free. We had decided to admire the castle from the outside with especially good views to be had from the bridge over the river, since at our advanced age one castle per day is sufficient. Camera satisfied, we enjoyed an icecream before a stroll around the nearby streets and lanes of the old town. Some of the tourists we had seen at Chenonceau had the same itinerary, clearly tour direction is one of our strengths!
Back at our mobile home Château, our joy knew no bounds when we realised we were no longer surrounded by carousing weekend trippers and we were grateful for a good night's sleep.
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