Kevin and I wanted to spend some time in the French countryside, but were unsure the best way to do it. Should we take a train? Should we take an organized tour? After talking to the Crawfords, they recommended renting a car and just driving ourselves - so we did!
It was a little of an adventure navigating and driving in a foreign country while driving a stick (the only option)! Thankfully, Kevin learned how to drive a manual in high school and the knowledge never really goes away. He did amazing maneuvering a hundred roundbouts and unfamiliar roads.
He only killed it a few times!
Our first stop of the morning after getting out of the city and paying a crazy amount in tolls (seriously over 20 Euros!) was to Chambord.
Again, I had to pinch myself! It had a moat!
The Crawfords recommended not going inside every chateau we visited, because they all start looking the same after awhile and then are less special.
We had decided on three: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Villandry
Chambord is known for its amazing roofline and was designed to look like the skyline of a town. Chambord was built as a hunting lodge for Francoise I and is the largest of the Loire Valley Chateaux.
After a quick croque monsieur/madame, we headed to the chateau I was most eager to see - Chenonceau.
It was just like a fairy tale!
Chenonceau was the favorite home of Queen Catherine de Medici and would be my favorite home too!
The French are obsessed with beautiful flowers! They are everywhere and were such a gorgeous addition to every room. I swoon for hydrangeas and they were everywhere!
I just want an old stone building with beautiful ivy growing on its facade - is that too much to ask?
Chenonceau is built over the River Cher and during WWII, this river was a dividing line between occupied Nazi territory and free France. While it was occupied by the Germans, it is said to have been the means of escape for some seeking the free zone.
After a bit of a rain storm, some delicious ice cream, and more beautiful French countryside we came to Villandry, known for its impressive grounds.
Look at those amazing hedges! I love the way the castle is pushed up against the hill - so lovely!
One of our goals on our trip was to stay at an adorable bed and breakfast in the countryside. Thankfully, the Crawfords recommended Manoir de Boiserault outside the town of Saumur.
I can't get over this place! The charm of it is just unending!
The room was certainly unconventional, but adorable! The home was built in 1724 and had the most beutiful grounds.
As we were discovering the gardens, we came across stone steps leading underground. Without a sign to keep us out, we went exploring and discovered three levels of caves and caverns!
Apparently, it was created in order to harvest the stone for the home and was used as a wine press and cellar, living quarters for the servants, and even a hideout for Jews in WWII!
This picture was taken in pitch black! There were no lights but those on our cell phones and the flash of my camera!
We couldn't even see the bottom of this well!
The breakfast was divine - crepes, fresh fruit, croissants, fresh juice, delicious hot chocolate, and pain au chocolate, all laid out beautifully!
After a lazy morning and late breakfast, we were off to Mont St. Michel!
