Day 171 - Back Lanes of Saumur - 195 to go

Poking your camera around little streets
unearths a few hidden features.

Day 170 - The Gardens of Villandry - 196 to go.

I didn't realise how demanding a daily post would be, even though it was just a photo. I really don't know how many photos we have from five trips to France but surely it wouldn't be too hard to post one daily. However each one does bring back special memories. Currently we are still in the Loire during our 2008 trip, our first time to the region. In the short space of time while staying in Chinon we saw the Chateaux of Chenonceau, Usse and Villandry. I promise no more Chateau pictures from here on.

Day 169 - Villandry Hi-Tech - 197 to go.

Modern technology helps to keep the gardens of Villandry looking magnificent.

Day 168 - Villandry- 198 to go

We actually didn't enter the Chateau itself - the gardens were so awe inspiring - plus we'd already seen two other Chateaux beforehand.

How many Chateaux can you see in one day?

Day 166/167 - the Chenonceau Farm - 199 to go

In my last post I featured the little rose covered cottage at the Chenonceau Chateau farm.

Here's a close up and also a scene of the beautifully manicured lawns nearby.

I found the farm to be a hidden treasure compared to the actual Chateau, as magnificent as it was.

Day 165 - A little Chenonceau - 201 to go

Hidden away from sight
a little cottage at Chenonceau
shed its own little light
to those in the know
(apologies for my poor poetry)

Day 164 - Chateaux of the Loire Chenonceau - 202 to go

Chenonceau is one of those "have to see"Chateaux of the Loire". As you walk towards it, a feeling of opulence surrounds you.

The most popular photograph of Chenonceau would be of the arches across the river but I found the long passage above thos arches equally impressive. This is a place where balls and feasts were held and during WWII, the resistance would find a safe passage from the enemy.

 But most of all it was the kitchen that impressed my wife Sue.