Day 23 - Wednesday, May 16th, Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Today was chateau day.  As for me, I couldn't get enough of the elegance and the beautiful gardens.  If you talk to Terry, however, I'm sure you'd get a different perspective. :)

We first visited Chambord, the largest of the Loire chateaux, being six times larger than the average Loire castle (440 rooms and a fireplace for every day of the year).  Chambord began as a simple hunting lodge in 1518 by Francois I and took 15 years and 1800 workman to build.

Next we visited Cheverny which was a much more manageable size.  It is one of the more lavishly furnished Loire Chateaux and was in immaculate condition.  The family that owns it has been the owners from the start and they really take pride in it.  In fact they still live on the third floor of the castle.

After a bit of lunch on the castle grounds we went to visit Chenonceau, by far the most popular of all the Loire castles.  It also is in impeccable condition, and as with Cheverny, fresh flower arrangements adorned all of the rooms.  It is nicknamed "the chateau of the ladies" as it housed both the mistress and the wife of King Henry II (not at the same time).  It truly is a lovely castle and for that reason I choose it for my photo of the day.

Chateau de Chenonceau