Paris Opera House

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Returned to Paris from the Loire and visited the Paris Opera House. What a spectacular place. It reminded me of the Washington Library of Congress only in gold, not marble. Later that night I returned for a ballet performance which was sublime, and only 12 euros for a seat with partial vision – all that was left. The performance was amazing. Was shocked to see how the patrons dressed for the ballet, but I was in Paris.

All that said, more pictures, as words cannot describe..

Costumes from former performances

All this beauty then out the window JLo from the Bronx selling lingerie.. Go figure?

Evening Attire

Think she needs to ditch the guy with the sneakers – don’t you?

Oh, la, la!!

Getting Gas in France

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It was time to refill the gas tank. On my first venture I had assist by a friendly Frenchman, and was hoping for the same on this next fill-up. The car gas tank cap had a lock which proved problematic for me but not for my French counterpart.

The Gas Station Store at Highway A10

The highways in France issue tickets upon entry to the highway and accept charge cards as payment. The speed limit is 130, which I had a challenge adjusting to but soon caught on. The toll price for approximately 250 miles of travel was 23 euros which while steep was about the rate when I drove in Portugal. For the 600 mile trip it cost 100 euros in gas using a small Fiat car.

Fancy Machine to Acquire Coffee

Nice spot to recharge and also do computer work. There also were pods in this area for those needing a quiet spot to work at. These came with a charge.

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Was disappointed that I saw no EV charging stations at the gas station. Then as I was leaving came across this massive construction project where 23 fast charging stations were being installed.

This was a welcome relief.

Only one EV station at the present time.

But more to come…

Chaumont-Sur-Loire

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This Castle is located on the Loire River. Owned by the French government since 1992, the castle sponsors the International Garden Festival where amateur gardeners design one of the 20 plus garden plots on the property. Also included in this Festival is usage of the Castle and grounds for the implementation of fifteen world -renowned artists. What a different tour and spellbinding way to end the tour of the Loire Valley Castles.

Here are some pictures of the art work amongst the Castle rooms..

Catherine de Medici’s Bedroom

Traveling chests in this Castle were ornate.

Priceless Collection of Royal Head Pieces

Artwork on the Castle Rampart

Artwork amongst the Castle storage areas

Note the sculptures on the King’s desk

In the attic of the Castle were videos by artists – check out the squares.

the squares then turned into this color combination – mesmerizing and intriguing. Watched for 10 minutes..

A little breather from the art – view of the Loire from the Castle

Artwork in the library

The books on the window ledge are made of wax and those on the shelves and desk are made of stone.

The Music Room of the Castle – no artist work here.

A Sculpture Made From Books.

A lawn sculpture

More Artwork in the Castle Outbuildings

And this was a fascinating sculpture/work made by a South American artist. Would like to have seen how this was installed.

Had lunch at the Castle – delicious and memorable..

The French certainly know how to eat well.

What a spectacular day..

Royal Chateau of Amboise

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This Chateau is actually a castle and looms over the town of Amboise. Owned by the French government it currently is under renovation. This was fascinating to see – make time to watch the video and see the crafts folk, (yes both men and ladies), as they resculpt the stones of the Chapel of St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters.

St. Hubert Chapel is where the remains of Leonardo da vinci is housed.

The tour of the Chateau – The Grand Salon

In this chamber the monarch did much of everything – slept, ate, and conducted business.

A Tapestry Close-Up

The Queen’s Bedroom

The dress on the mannequin is the same worn on the painting behind, (not shown). Also note the flowers – gardens yet to come!

The Gardens – this Castle is known for its world renowned gardens. There are Oriental, terraced, topiary, and main courtyard gardens. Enjoy the pictures and take time to enjoy the beauty of the gardens..

This is the Oriental Garden created in 2005, in memory of 25 people who died in Amboise captivity from 1848 to 1852.

It is a place of meditation.

And check out the views of the rivers from the Castle.

Wine Tasting

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Look for these door if you attend as the winery can be a challenge to locate..

Another fascinating Expedia adventure this was!

This winery was built into walls of stone and originally owned by Leonardo da vinci.

During the World Wars soldiers hid in the cellars and drank up the vino in storage.

Enjoyed the tour and tasted the exceptional shall we say brew, but sad to say purchased none as did not want to incur another $75. airport baggage fee. If you have the chance this is a once in a life time visit and fun. Also, a great break from castle touring.

More Photos..

Did purchase several bottles of their juice for breakfast the following days – very tasty and recommended.

Now, back to castle visiting..

Chateau Gaillard

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This Chateau lies down the road from Clos Luce. It is currently a private home with gardens, walking paths, and is truly a beautiful Chateau. Besides its beauty, the Chateau has many historical artifacts. Most of the information within the Chateau is written in French but able to discern the meaning. For more about the Chateau http://chateau-gaillard-amboise.fr/

Some pictures..

The Chateau is known for its orange trees.

An interesting part of the visit was the area where the medieval chateau workers lived during this time period.

Some of the nature areas and gardens.

The Chateau is open for weddings and believe this would be a lovely spot for that. If visiting buy tickets at the door as there was much confusion with my Expedia ticket which colored my stay, enough said.

Clos Luce

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There was so much to this visit that it is difficult to shore it down to a short blog, but I will attempt. Leonardo did much to change the world and his ideas continue to play out in our present day. This is an amazing truth from a man who lived 1452-1519.

Let’s start with the home. I arrived at 8:15 for a 9:00 a.m. opening and was glad I did as groves of buses and folks arrived by 9:15. As the first tourist in I had the home to myself for a full 20 minutes! Easier for photos and to drink in Leonardo alone – what a gift.

The Bed Chamber

Leonardo even painted on the walls of his bed chamber.

Take time to observe the beautiful windows in the home.

His Chapel

The ceilings of the Chapel are masterpieces.

His Studio and Office – here are the actual brushes and paints of the master.

His Office

The Dining Room

The Gardens

The Private Garden

Leonardo’s Inventions – in the basement of the home many of the da vinci inventions are displayed. Then these same inventions are functioning throughout the gardens. A fascinating depiction of his talents!

The Waterwheel

Take 3 to 4 hours for this visit. Sit among the extensive gardens and drink in the beauty and inventions. There are also several restaurants on the property and the gift shop interesting.

Thank you, Leonardo.

Amboise

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This small, charming historic town has a power house of wonderful venues to visit. It was the most enjoyable part of my visit, and if attempting to see castles/history of the Loire Valley in a limited period of time choose Amboise for your visit.

Here’s what Amboise has to offer:

  • Chateau du Close Luce – the home of Leonardo da vinci
  • Chateau Gaillard
  • Chaumont sur Loire
  • Chateau Royal d’Amboise

Accommodations in the area are reasonable, and navigating the small streets are fun- drive slow. Parking is available on the river in a safe lot, and free. Take a walk on the river if you have the time as it is an enjoyable experience. The walk from the parking is short and you will pass by the tourism center – stop in as their friendly staff has great ideas for your visit. Have I sold you yet on a visit? A few photos of the town surely will.

Have you bought your ticket yet?

Tours

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What a great town and an enjoyable visit. Stayed here at a perfect hotel – even had parking with a breakfast, (not included), to start the day. What an amazing sleep and stay! Hotel Du Manoir – check it out. If traveling via train there is station in town and most guided tours start from this area.

What I enjoyed most was the timbered homes – half wooden/half stones. Walking through the streets they are omnipresent.

Then there is the Tours Cathedral – took 400 years to build. It looms large over the City.

But what I enjoyed most was the diversity in restaurants, and then there are those bakeries – YUM!

Charming historic streets to visit and one named after my favorite…

So, if in the area plan a visit to Tours.. Walk the streets in the early morning quiet and enjoy the charm..

Wonder where this door leads??