The daily diary of two wandering souls in Europe
July 30 - Loire Valley

We started the day at Chambord, a modest little shack in the Loire Valley originally built by Francois the First in 1519. There have been a few additions since then (got to have a guest room or two . . . dozen) and the renovations are still going on -- although now it is just restoration work rather than new construction.

Lunch was a picnic (with my child bride!) beside the canal at Chambord. We sat on an ancient stone wall with the chateau in front of us, munching a local sheeps-milk cheese on fresh baguette and sipping a lovely regional Pinot Noir. Not to slight the neighborhood restaurant market, but the picnic idea is excellent and very inexpensive!

Then to Cheverny, a more recent chateau (1634!) The descendants of the original owners still live here (on the third floor -- the first two are open to the public) and the place looks like the owner is watching over it. It is the most lavishly furnished (and definitely the best cared-for chateau and grounds) we have seen yet.

Our last stop of the day was Chaumont sur Loire, a bit more medieval of a place, complete with drawbridge. We didn't go in -- many of the chateaux are just empty rooms these days (and we were getting a little chateau-ed out!) Tomorrow morning, we go down the road to see Chenonceau before bidding adieu to the Loire Valley and heading for Burgundy.

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