Last month we rented a car and made a trip down to the Loire Valley, which is a few hours south of Paris. We stayed in a little town called Amboise and had a great weekend visiting chateaus and seeing the country. The Loire Valley is known for it’s chateaus but with our time and kids tagging along we only made time to see two. First we visited Chateau Chambord, which was very large and beautiful (reminded me of Downton Abbey!) It has a really amazing staircase that I didn’t take pictures of but it was beautiful.
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Then we visited Chateau Chenonceau which was built over a river. It was my favorite and still had Christmas decorations up, so it felt cozy. The castles of course were really beautiful but they both had beautiful gardens and grounds. It was chilly out but we were bundled up and spent a long time walking around outside. I can see how it would be really great to visit in warmer weather. At the end of the trip we stopped by Leonardo Da Vinci’s home and went to Zoo Beauval for a few hours which was a really great little zoo nearby. Β It was a perfect short little getaway with kids. I can’t wait to see more someday. Have you ever visited the Loire Valley? What were your favorite chateaus?
photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day
Celeste Wyrick
February 9, 2012
Ohhh! My heart aches! The Loire Valley was my favorite pit stop when I visited France in 2010. I loved Amboise too.. and that I got a very delicious lunch with a glass of wine for about five euros!
Brittanie
February 9, 2012
These photos are so gorgeous! I love rainy gloomy days like this, especially paired with such a lovely place. And the font you used on it is very nice, looks like an ad
Marina
February 9, 2012
I have been to Chateaux Chenonceau in the summer time and it is lovely, but looks equally as stunning in winter. The Loire Valley is gorgeous, me and my family went on a walking holiday around the region and saw some beautiful castles and countryside. We actually stayed in a castle for part of our time called Chateau Chissay, which was amazing. Definitely worth going back in summer, although try before the summer holidays as peak times get very touristy and busy.
Sarah
February 9, 2012
Beautiful! The Loire Valley is so incredibly beautiful! I’ve been fortunate enough to visit that region of France twice, staying in a chateau owned by some lovely friends, and our visit to Chateau Chenonceau was a definite highlight of the trip (along with crazy amounts of perfect bread.) π Lovely post.
Deepa
February 10, 2012
Chateau Chambord! I was there years ago on a tour of Europe with my university choir from the Philippines. While in the Loire Valley, we also went to Nantes and Orleans, and won an international competition in Tours. Some of the best times of my life. π
Helen Bolstad
February 12, 2012
LOVE Amboise. The Da Vinci staircase was amazing. (Supposedly built, so the kings mistress could go down on side, while the wife went up at the same time) I also suggest Chateau Villandry – beautiful, breath taking gardens (you won’t see this in the US) and the refurbished rooms are gorgeous. The Loire Valley is wonderful. Chateau Chenoneceau was the home of Catherine de Medicis and is built over a river. Also worth a visit. The hall over the river served as a hospital during World War II. The Architecture inside was amazing. They build things to last in Europe. Enjoy your stay!