Blogs from Chenonceaux, Centre, France, Europe

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. ... read more

Chenonceaux. I was sorry to leave Bordeaux. There seemed to be so much to see that was unavailable to us on this trip. An excuse for a return, if we needed one. Today would feature another 300km ride north, with a non-remarkable pit-stop or two, heading for Tours. The Chateau Chenonceau straddles the Cher River, near the town of Chenonceaux, about 30km east of Tours. Dating to the 1400's, it was the private residence of a wealthy miller but over the course of history came into the possession of royalty. Cindy detailed some of the amusing, amorous escapades of some of the royals which led to various chatelaines and other occupants over the centuries. Simply put, it served as the personal residence of five French queens, including infamous Catherine de Medici, with whose affections one was ... read more

so today was a 60km bike ride. i left the hotel around 9am, the first stop was Sache at the chatau there. i arrived at the chateau around 9.20 and unfortinatly didnt open till 10 so i hung around. it was worth the wait, wasn't big but it was lovely. it was quiet as all the tourists hadn't arrived yet. after looking around the chateau and grounds for 45min i was on my way. i went through Pont-de-Ruan, Artannes, Monts through lots of little villages then through Montbazon, Veigne, Cormery, Cigogne, le Coudray, Blere, Civray-de-Touraine and then finally Chenonceaux where i went to the Chateau. when i arrived at the chateau i got something to eat and then went in. it was rather large and there were lots and lots of people there. it was a ... read more

Today was a pretty rainy day, which was disappointing because we went to Chenonceau which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful castles in France because it’s built on a river. It was beautiful, but the water was kind of gross and murky from the rain, which made the castle not look quite as cool. Also the huge front section of the castle is currently being restored and has scaffolding with this huge curtain over it with a picture of what the castle should look like—kind of hilarious, but also kind of disappointing. That being said, I still loved Chenonceau. I want to go back some time, when there are more flowers in the garden and when it’s a beautiful day. The inside of the castle was cool—we didn’t have a personal tour, but ... read more