DESIGNER SOFTWARE
LOIRE VALLEY


From 18th to 20th May we visited the Loire Valley to see the many castles (chateaus). We did not attempt to visit them all - that would take months.
Chateau Valencay (from the exterior only).
Chateau Chemery (from the exterior only).
This is a small chateau under restoration. This may take some years to complete judging by it's current state.

Chateau Cheverny XVIth century home of Count Henri Hurault and his countess Marguerite Gaillard de la Morinier was the most enjoyed - beautifully kept and with lovelly gardens

Chambord is a vast Chateau with 15 staircaes including a massive central staircase of 4 stories and in centre of the chateau, as a double helix (2 staricases in one), said to have been inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci. It is architecturally great, but sparse on the interior (must have been very cold living there in winter).

Chenonceau - A beautiful smaller chateau spanning the river Cher. Features an imposing long room, and keep (tower used as a prison) and a beautiful vegetable and flower garden. Note the tile glazing on an unused section of the floor whilst the tiles adjacent have been worn away

Ambois - A XV and XVI century high chateau on the Loire River. Charles VII son of Louis XI was born here in 1470.

Lunch on the way

A small chateau along the road