Les Flâneurs: chateaux

[4 April afternoon]

It was a short drive from Azay-le-Rideau to Villandry (lots of photos coming up!). The existing car park was apparently undergoing some serious remodeling so we parked along the street and walked up to the entrance.

[Official Villandry website]

One can opt to visit the gardens alone, but the four of us decided we wanted to see the château as well. It is owned by the Carvallo family and there were photos/paintings of various family members scattered here and there.

there were gorgeous flower arrangements in several of the public spaces

the art gallery

the bath

garden view from inside the château

view from the top of the keep

roof of the keep

leaving the interior

Leaving the château we strolled around the gardens taking in the sunshine and occasional cool breezes.

the sun garden

Exiting the château the four of us stopped and enjoyed a round of ice cream before heading back to Tours.

Once back in the city Richard and Pauline dropped us off in front of the TI office just across from their parking garage. They wanted to take advantage of their hotel's indoor swimming pool and relax a bit before dinner. We strolled back to our digs for a short rest.

About half-past seven the four of us met at our apartment and walked up to rue Colbert which had come alive with the laughter of many folks out on a Friday evening.

There was also a fire truck and police along the street as well but that didn't seem to bother the party goers! Anyway, we couldn't figure out why they were there, but a small group of firemen/women were standing around looking up at a building and talking on their phones.

Like everyone else we ignored them and moved along looking for a place for dinner. Our choice for the evening was Le Laurenty.

A fun evening with good fellowship, lively conversation and great food accompanied by lovely local wines.

Pauline had smoked salmon for a starter and Richard a chicken terrine; for our mains Susan and Pauline both had the cod, Richard had pork and I had beef.

salmon

terrine

cod

pork

beef

Richard had apple millefeuille for dessert

Susan and Pauline shared a poached pear amandine

My dessert was a glass of Ricard pastis.

After dinner we strolled back to our apartment for a glass of Sauterne before saying good night. We plan to meet up again at the TI Saturday morning to decide what we will do next.

Stay tuned!

[4 April]

We awakened more or less at our usual time at home; it seems adjusting to being in France is coming along nicely thank you very much.

After a light breakfast it was off to meet Richard and Pauline at the TI office where the four of us planned our itinerary for tackling the châteaux west of Tours. Our goal was Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry, especially the gardens of the latter.

But what a gorgeous day to explore the Loire Valley! Highs in the low 70s with sun and nary a cloud in sight.

From the TI office we walked across the street and down into the underground parking garage where we loaded ourselves into Richard and Pauline's car and headed for the countryside west of Tours.

A word of warning: lots of photos follow here as well as in the following afternoon post about Villandry.

[Official Azay-le-Rideau website]

car park at Azay-le-Rideau

entrance

ticket office left door

entrance to the secret garden

café just across from the château

note the stone bannisters carved right into the wall

the tour begins in the attic which shows incredible woodwork

Renaissance chamber

tapestry in the Pysche chamber

the grand hall

king's chamber

Biencourt salon - 19th century

Leaving the interior we found ourselves in the main courtyard and the path that allows for plenty of opportunities to see the château from many different angles.

this particular water feature is called water mirror

tulips, tulips everywhere!

The promenade ends in a small building just before the exit that provides an in-depth look at the history of this remarkable building (as well as a lovely model of the chateau).