European Adventure Part Six: Château de Chenonceau

CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU, FRANCE

5.28.15

While we were staying in Paris, we took a day to visit the Loire Valley region.  We rented a Parisian's car and drove out of Paris and two hours south on a foreign road system.  That was an adventure!  I am grateful that I was not the driver.  (Way to drive a stick shift in the tenth-largest city in Europe, Dad!)

Our destination?  The beautiful Château de Chenonceau.

The hall that extends over the river and touches the far bank

was added after the initial castle was built.

The audio tour was very well presented, and each room was decorated in period style.

One of my favorite facts I learned about Château de Chenonceau occurred in WWII.

As explained in the picture, the long hall extended across the patrolled river,

which was the line of demarcation, and was a route to freedom for many Jews.

I can't think of a better use for Chenonceau than that!

Beautiful white roses nestle against lattices, stone fences, and houses
throughout the Château de Chenonceau grounds. 

Everywhere I looked, I saw tranquil scenery.

I have amazing parents!

The path beside the lake was so peaceful...

... And the path through the wooded grounds was lovely, too.

There is a reason the French think their food is the best...

...it is.

Isn't that the most perfect carriage house ever?

The village (where the Chenonceau staff lived) was picturesque.

The garden for Chenonceau was beautiful.  Maybe weeds don't grow in France...

Roses and irises against a stone wall.  How could it get better?

We left Château de Chenonceau around suppertime
to find the most charming little village, Chenonceaux, outside the castle grounds!

I love how so many buildings are covered in ivy or trailing vines.

With fresh local cheese to eat during the car ride home,
we headed back to Paris after a wonderful day.

We just had one more city to visit before our trip ended.