Room With A View – Amboise
We arrived in Amboise on Saturday afternoon, and after getting settled in our hotel, set out to explore the town and get our bearings.
It’s definitely on the touristy side here, but still very pretty and we’ve enjoyed some fabulous meals. We’ve already enjoyed a wine tasting at one of the local “troglodyte” wineries. (More on this later.)
Sunday morning in spite of the steady rain, we took a stroll though the marché, reputed to be one of the best in the area. Had the weather been better we definitely would have picked up some of that paella to nibble on for lunch!
We waited a bit to see if the rain would let up, but that didn’t look likely, so grabbed our raincoats and umbrellas and set off for our first chateau, Chenonceaux.
The interiors are stunning, and you must be sure to read the history of the place in the Medici Gallery, as it focuses on the influential women who shaped its architecture and history.
By the time we finished touring the interior, the rain had let up a bit, though it was still quite blustery.
I’ve received a few questions about how my travel wardrobe is working out, and the answer so far is quite well. The lightweight layers (silk tops and linen sweaters especially) have been perfect for the weather when topped with the raincoat. I’m glad I trusted my instincts and brought the ankle boots (both pairs) as they’ve been appropriate for the cool, wet conditions. As you can see from the picture above, yes I’m repeating outfits quite a bit, but when traveling you’re not seeing the same people (other than le Monsieur from day to day anyway. I’ve already done one small load of sink laundry, and probably will only have to do one more in a few days.
Today after breakfast we’ll be off to see more chateaux, and perhaps the town of Blois.
À bientot!
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You look great in this picture…a perfect ad for travel wear! And I love the beauty in the pictures…looks like a wonderful trip!
Magical! And on a prosaic note, maybe spend an hour at a laundromat in the next town?
Hi Duchesse, laundromat not needed, as all I’ve done so far are “delicates” which have to be hand washed anyway. 20 minutes to wash several days’ worth then hang to dry in the shower overnight and good to go!
I am enjoying your trip immensely! And taking notes… since I am just starting to plan a trip to France…hopefully 5 days in Paris and then two weeks driving around the countryside. Love the windblown shot….and that grey scarf.
Ah the gardens! So French, so lovely. You look great too, making good use of your new topper. xo
We did a house exchange with a family in Blois many years ago — stayed in their home for several weeks while they were in ours, and we loved the area. Still remember the rich smell of the Poulain chocolate factory as we got off the train in Blois. . .
And we picnicked on the grounds of that beautiful chateaux at Chenonceaux, having picked up a rotisserie chicken that Pater still insists was the best chicken of his life. . . 😉
Looks as if you’re building your own lovely memories. Enjoy!
Such beautiful pictures, it looks like you’re having a wonderful trip. The clothes look great, too!
Just beautiful. I’ve never been to that part of France, and it looks wonderful.
Love Blois! Hope you do too!
Ohhhhhhh!
Looks wonderful as do you….what brand is your cross body bag?
Hope it warms up for the rest of your journey.
I’m not an expert, but it might be the Givenchy Pandora–one of my students (!) has one.
Hi Hostess, frugal scholar is correct, it’s the small Pandora. Great size for travel!
It looks and sounds like you’re having a fabulous holiday!! I remember the Wisteria this time of year in France…gorgeous! Love traveling with you vicariously:). Thanks for sharing. BTW, perfect outfits. Bravo
I love the châteaux. Are you going to to Chambord and Villandry? You are looking relaxed and pulled together in your travel clothes. This is really a magical area.
Beautiful photos, love the canal, so idyllic and peaceful.
And I look forward to hearing more about your wine tasting and the excellent cheese selection!
Annette
So wonderful to see this, thank you. I will go to local patisserie for a croissant to enjoy during the next installment! Enjoy.
I am also enjoying your trip vicariously. Great photos; in 2012 we also stayed at the Hotel Manoir les Minimes – in the coach house shown in your first photo. We enjoyed wine in the parlour and petit dejeuner in the breakfast room. Loved walking around Amboise, taking photos, and visiting Chateau Clos Luce (Leonardo da Vinci’s house). Another highlight was touring the smaller chateau Chaumont sur Loire. Thanks for sharing “The Spirit Ponders” – I only had time to see the outdoors and the hallway of Chenonceau. Bon voyage! Anna
Your trip brings back such wonderful memories…the gardens at Chenonceaux are so beautiful as well as the Chateau…interesting story about Catherine Medici. Can’t wait to hear more!
The cheeses! The tulips! The donkey! The paella. 🙂
So gorgeous! I’m so jealous!
You look so French in your striped Tee! I always try to dress as though I am native to wherever I am visiting, with mixed success. Do you feel you blend in? Hope you’re enjoying your trip despite the weather, and thank you for allowing us to travel with you vicariously.
Your French adventures inspire me. Gorgeous photos! Gorgeous you!
You must feel like you want to photograph everything! Thanks for giving us an update on your travel wardrobe. I had been wondering myself!
Love these travel photos! x
Thank you so much for sharing your travels with us. You look like you are having a great time and your smart packing is paying off too!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I can’t wait to go back to Villandry and Amboise – The shopping in Amboise in June is great. I love the materials they have. I bought an inexpensive colorful shirt, like a tee shirt, wrinkle free and tummy flattering. I’d buy 10 if I had the chance. I hope you found some great finds!
Will be in Amboise, as a base for Chenonceau, Chambord,Blois; then on to Tours, in a few weeks-suggestions for restaurants?