Day Trip to Chateaux de Chambord, Chenonceau and Loire Valley

We booked a bus tour to the Loire Valley and to see Two Chateaus and taste wine.  This was a long day and very rushed.  You will spend a minimum 5 hours riding on the bus for a 9 hour tour.  Even though you are on the bus a lot it gives you an opportunity to see the area south west of Paris.



Chateaux Chambord

Double Spiral Staircase

The estate of Chambord is a Unesco world heritage site.  This Chateaux is a fairy tale castle with many spires and domes.  There is a double spiral staircase in the centre of the Chateaux.  This Chateaux was not used very much as it was very cold and difficult to heat.



After a tour and short visit on our own we are off Chateaux Nitray a small family owned vineyard.  We gathered for a wholesome lunch of roast chicken, potatoes, salad, goats cheese and apple tart with lots of wine to clear the pallet during each course.  Our host also took time to explain how to correctly taste his wine.

 



Chateau de Nitray

The last stop is Chateaux de Chenonceau which is famous for being built over a river.  During the second world war the Germans were on one side of the Chateaux and the allies on the other and the only way to cross the river was through the Chateaux.

Chateaux Chenonceau

 Wine produced on this estate.

The ride back to Paris was uneventful.  We made good time, sometimes the traffic is so bad that the trip can take an extra hour.