Being the savvy shopper that I am, I had been in contact with a European equestrian gear website and ordered some breeches for both Russell and I – the only catch was they had to be sent to a European store. No problem, I had been in touch with a local Blois saddlery ('sellerie') and they were there waiting when we arrived this morning.
By the time we left I think Madame was quite pleased to have been the receiving store for two Aussies and we were well pleased with the breeches and more…
We ensured that there won't be any rain for the rest of the trip by buying rain jackets as well and only wished that the pink stirrups were slightly more raspberry coloured… but that's another story.
Very pleased with ourselves after our shopping experience and negotiating the underground car park, we set off for Château de Chenonceau about 40 minutes away.
We have been pleasantly surprised by the number of visitors to these Chateau, yes they are busy but not as manic as I had thought July would be.
We arrived right on lunchtime and decided to treat ourselves (we're on holiday..) to lunch at 'The Orangery' which turned out to be an excellent decision! We both had the 31 euro 'menu' which turned out to be a five course gastronomic delight and by the second glass of wine we had almost forgotten we had come to see a castle.
Almost two hours later (lucky the castle is open until 8) we stumbled out to visit the main attraction.
Spectacular from any angle and with the weather being much more cooperative than yesterday a cacophony of camera shutters could be heard all around.
Furnished in almost every room, unlike Chambord yesterday, fresh floral arrangements complimented exquisite tapestries, wall papers and artwork. The kitchen area had a beautiful collection of copper cookware, butchers knives and bread making paraphernalia that were all very photogenic!
The Château of Chenonceau is known as the ladies Château as various women have played very important roles in its history since the mid 1500s when it was built on the piers of an old fortified mill.
King Henry II gave it to his favourite mistress Diane de Portiers, (20 years his senior) in 1547 who had a good business head as well as her other attributes and she created the famous bridge portion over the river Cher as well as an impressive garden.
After his death his widow, Catherine de Medici, removed Diane ( as you would) and set about creating more gardens and improving the architectural work even more.
I had read novels about these two women whilst I was still in high school and have always been fascinated by this period in French history so it was a real thrill to finally be able to visit this castle.
Several hours later we had had our fill and we trudged back toward the car with the ubiquitous gift shop looming in the distance….
We then realised that there was still the maze ( stunningly verdant but mosquitos in abundance) and also the 16th century farm and vegetable gardens en route. A collection of carriages in housed in the original stables and there is a whole building dedicated to the florists that supply fresh flower arrangements to almost every room in the castle year round “an illustration of the Chateau's permanent concern to welcome and treat visitors as guests.”
Another tick on the bucket list for me……
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