Chateaux de la Loire

Yesterday, we went Chateauin'

We went to 3 chateaux: d'Azay-le-Rideau, Chanonceau, and Chambord

d'Azay-le-Rideau

This Chateau was built between 1518 and 1529.

It's considered a Museum of the Renaissance, because of the tapestries and paintings!

 Little village of Azay-le-Brule

 Le Chateau

 It was a little misty...

 Le Chateau

Alyssa and I in front of the Chateau

Bein' artsy

Chenonceaux

This cheateau is built over the river Cher. 

It was built between 1513 and 1521. 

It's known as the Chateau of Ladies, Catherine de Medici lived here!

[I also had major deja-vu when I got there. I didn't remember that I had been there and when I steped up to the castle I remebered. It was so creepy!]

 Tree lined drive!

Moi!

 The facade of the chateau!

 Sweet floor tile!

 It's built into the river!

Alyssa and I!

Chambord

Chambord is the most famous of the three we went to. 

It's MASSIVE.

440 rooms, 365 (one for each day of the year) chimnees, and 57 stair cases

Francois 1 lived here. 

It's also famous for raspberry liquor, however about 3 oz was 8 euros!

massive!

Etchings in the facade

Coronation things

Francois 1st's symbol was the salamandar!

trophy room

Chimneys

Chimney

Although the weather was not ideal (overcast and rather dreary) and the day was very long (12 hours, 5 of those spent exploring the 3 chateaux) it was so much fun! 

Next week: Sant Malo and Mont St Michel

Two Weeks: PARIS for Laura's 21st birthday!