Day 7 in the Loire Valley Afternoon

[4 April afternoon]

It was a short drive from Azay-le-Rideau to Villandry (lots of photos coming up!). The existing car park was apparently undergoing some serious remodeling so we parked along the street and walked up to the entrance.

[Official Villandry website]

One can opt to visit the gardens alone, but the four of us decided we wanted to see the château as well. It is owned by the Carvallo family and there were photos/paintings of various family members scattered here and there.

there were gorgeous flower arrangements in several of the public spaces

the art gallery

the bath

garden view from inside the château

view from the top of the keep

roof of the keep

leaving the interior

Leaving the château we strolled around the gardens taking in the sunshine and occasional cool breezes.

the sun garden

Exiting the château the four of us stopped and enjoyed a round of ice cream before heading back to Tours.

Once back in the city Richard and Pauline dropped us off in front of the TI office just across from their parking garage. They wanted to take advantage of their hotel's indoor swimming pool and relax a bit before dinner. We strolled back to our digs for a short rest.

About half-past seven the four of us met at our apartment and walked up to rue Colbert which had come alive with the laughter of many folks out on a Friday evening. 

There was also a fire truck and police along the street as well but that didn't seem to bother the party goers! Anyway, we couldn't figure out why they were there, but a small group of firemen/women were standing around looking up at a building and talking on their phones.

Like everyone else we ignored them and moved along looking for a place for dinner. Our choice for the evening was Le Laurenty. 

A fun evening with good fellowship, lively conversation and great food accompanied by lovely local wines.

Pauline had smoked salmon for a starter and Richard a chicken terrine; for our mains Susan and Pauline both had the cod, Richard had pork and I had beef.

salmon

terrine

cod

pork

beef

Richard had apple millefeuille for dessert

Susan and Pauline shared a poached pear amandine

My dessert was a glass of Ricard pastis.

After dinner we strolled back to our apartment for a glass of Sauterne before saying good night. We plan to meet up again at the TI Saturday morning to decide what we will do next.

Stay tuned!