We visited the Loire in May 1996 when travelling with our friend Colin so it was familiar territory for us when arrived on Thursday. We’re even staying in a similar area, just outside of Blois near Chateau Chambord. So what does one do on their first full day in the Loire? Go to a Chateau of course. We chose Chateau Cheverny – which we had visited last time we were here. Built in the 1600’s, it’s notable for being the most magnificently furnished of the regions Chateau’s, and for being the hiding place of the Mona Lisa during WWII. But more than all that (much, much more in fact) it was the inspiration for Marlinspike, home of Captain Haddock in the Tintin stories (something which you are made very aware of thanks to all the Tintin stuff you can buy in the gift shop). You feel a bit like a big kid, but there is nothing cooler than walking up to the front door of the Chateau just as the Captain and Tintin did!
On our second day...yep, more Chateau action, this time the most famous (and largest) of them all, Chambord. We took in a "horse riding spectacular" first off (knights jousting, trick riding, that kind of thing...for the kids of course!) then did our best to get round as much of the Chateau as we could. But after several hours we were all a bit over it (despite not getting around the whole thing) and headed back to camp. Today was also our first day of inclement weather for many weeks. Massive thunder storm in the early hours of this morning (but the tent stayed dry luckily), and humid and overcast today (although no rain).
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