Loire Valley picnics

We had our first picnic at this aire de repos on route to the Loire Valley.

After purchasing some food and wine from the local store in Onzain, we had this picnic at our chalet in the Parc de Val de Loire Camping. The terrines choice is spectacular at the supermarket. For as cheap as 1E it is possible to get a great terrine from rabbit or duck.

We visited the Blois market in the modern part and purchased a roast chicken and some Vouvray sparkling wine from the supermarket.

Amboise

Clos Luce

Clos Luce castle is also the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Althought not original, his inventions are nicely presented in his house and the miniatures are spectacular. If you have kids or if you like technical inventions, this museum will please you. Our son enjoyed a lot the miniatures and all the inventions in the gardens, as he was able to try them through a pleasant 2 hours visit.

Cheverny

Cheverny is a smaller castle and it is easy to visit it with kids. It hosts Tintin exposition on its grounds. The dogs and the gardens are nice to visit. It is also possible to visit it inside, as it has all furniture. Electrical boat and cart rides are offered in the gardens.

Chenonceaux village

Our hotel La Roseraie.

Chateau de Chenonceau

Chenonceau castle has a lot of history to it. Called le chateau des dames, it had been improved by each of its owners, including Catherine de Medicis. It is great to visit with family, as it is not as big as Chambord and the gardens are delightful too.
Being a private property, you need to pay an entrance fee to access the grounds of the castle.

Chambord

Chambord castle was a hunting loge built by the king Francois I. It doesn't have much furniture inside. The main attractions are the numerous fireplaces with chimneys, one for every day of the year, and the double helix staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

If traveling with children, you may just prefer visiting it from the outside and have a canoe ride around and a picnic in the park.

The grounds of Chambord are free to the public. Only the entrance into the castle itself need to be paid.