France (2) - Loire Valley

Picked up our rental car at Tours' other train station (St Pierre Des Corps), we were on our way to explore the Loire Valley, starting with Château de Chenonceau.

1. Our rental car, a Citroën Picasso.


2. Château de Chenonceau.


3. The gallery at Chenonceau.


After Chenonceau, we drove to Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley.

4. Château de Chambord from north.


5. Château de Chambord from the side.


6. One entrance to the double spiral staircase.


7. Believe it or not, the château was built to serve only as a hunting lodge for King François I. There were many hunting themed decoration.


8. Hunting themed decoration.


9. Hunting themed decoration.


10. From the terrace.


11. Château de Chambord from south.


After Chambord, we rushed to Château de Cheverny. Too bad we got there at 4:55 pm. They closed at 5:00 pm. We only got a peak.

12. Château de Cheverny.


13. If you are a Tintin fan, you will recognize Château de Cheverny is the model for Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin books. In the château's gift shop, there were all kinds of Tintin stuff for sale.


14. The town of Cheverny.


In stead of driving back to Tours, we were staying in Amboise for the night. Amboise also has a beautiful château.

15. Château d'Amboise at night.


(To be continued)