Chateaus, vin rouge and hunting!!We thought a few days lounging by the beautiful Loire River would be a great way to wind up our grand tour. An inspired choice by her indoors! The top pic is the view from our room at La Buisson. The Loire is the focus of this area: at this time of the year it is a sluggish old girl, but we were assured it comes to life when the rain falls on the hills.
The second pic is of Chenonceau castle, home to Diane de Poitiers and Mary Stuart at different times. There are over 30 of these chateaux in the valley- some tourists come to 'do' them all! Not us. 2 was plenty- honestly, they start to blend in with each other after a while, a bit like Hawthorn's premierships in the 80's.
So we rationed ourselves to a daily quota of 1 old building, one top meal, one dessert and one wine, with an afternoon nap thrown in!
Highlights were the Da Vinci expo at Clos Lucé, where the great man spent his last few years. Would you believe he carried the Mona Lisa and 2 other unfinished masterpieces in saddlebags on a mule across the Alps from Italy? Well that was his story anyway. I had been a little disappointed to have missed his work at other venues- this unexpected find more than made up for it.
At the Bardausiere castle (pic above) there are over 600 varieties of tomato in their potager (kitchen garden) We knew exactly 1 of them!
The valley is littered with 'Caves': cellars tunnelled into the cliffs which line much of the river. They provide an ideal storage for the local vignerons- and the local drop is a particularly good one.
This is the only Chevrolet I saw in France- and I was driving it! Thanks Hertz, it was supposed to be a Peugeot. At least it was easy for other motorists to see us coming (on the wrong side of the road).
This is for you, Mace- another for your collection of Big Things!
Our charming hosts Jean-Pierre and Nichole. He used to run 3 restaurants in Paris, and was enjoying the quiet life in Montlouis. His main worries now seem to be obnoxious Aussie tourists!
(Bruce & Noelene from Perth were cringe-worthy- don't get me started!) The best breakfasts so far- fresh croissants & baguettes, great coffee and the best selection of jams since my Mum used to make them back in the 60's...
So, a memorable visit: 4 Michelin stars!
Next: Gay Paree, the final act.
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