Loire Valley
Our first stop the next day was Château de Selles sur Cher, where we were treated to a wine tasting.
We then visited Chambord, the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. It was here that many of the Louvre’s treasures were kept safe during World War II.
We settled in at our hotel in Amboise, another beautiful town, for the next two nights.
In the morning we visited the spectacular Château de Chenonceau, which spans the River Cher. The 16th century estate contains many masterpieces, including those by Tintoretto, Murillo and Zurbaran. The Catherine de Medici Gardens provide the floral presentations found throughout the Chateau.
Upon returning to Amboise, we toured Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home. Several models of his inventions, created from his sketches and drawings, can be found in the basement.
