[4 April]
We awakened more or less at our usual time at home; it seems adjusting to being in France is coming along nicely thank you very much.
After a light breakfast it was off to meet Richard and Pauline at the TI office where the four of us planned our itinerary for tackling the châteaux west of Tours. Our goal was Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry, especially the gardens of the latter.
But what a gorgeous day to explore the Loire Valley! Highs in the low 70s with sun and nary a cloud in sight.
From the TI office we walked across the street and down into the underground parking garage where we loaded ourselves into Richard and Pauline's car and headed for the countryside west of Tours.
A word of warning: lots of photos follow here as well as in the following afternoon post about Villandry.
[Official Azay-le-Rideau website]
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| car park at Azay-le-Rideau |
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| entrance |
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| ticket office left door |
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| entrance to the secret garden |
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| café just across from the château |
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| note the stone bannisters carved right into the wall |
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| the tour begins in the attic which shows incredible woodwork |
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| Renaissance chamber |
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| tapestry in the Pysche chamber |
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| the grand hall |
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| king's chamber |
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| Biencourt salon - 19th century |
Leaving the interior we found ourselves in the main courtyard and the path that allows for plenty of opportunities to see the château from many different angles. |
| this particular water feature is called water mirror |
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| tulips, tulips everywhere! |
The promenade ends in a small building just before the exit that provides an in-depth look at the history of this remarkable building (as well as a lovely model of the chateau).
Realizing it is lunchtime we decide to stop at the little café giving us a lovely view of the château while we enjoy a short repast. |
| Susan's croque monsieur wasn't very good sad to say |
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| but our salads were! |
Leaving the main entrance we noticed this smaller entrance just to the left that actually goes right into the village.It was a short walk back to the car park and off to our next stop: Villandry!
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