One of the original gates into the walled city of Vannes

Vannes has an interesting historic centre. A walled city, the old moat has been turned into scenic gardens.

We spend some great time around the patio dinning table at Le Goofs. Chant al is an excellent cook, Ala in so knowledgeable with wine. What a a combination.

Our visit was great. A very special day was when Ala in and Chant al took us out on their boat to cruise around the Golfe du Marihuana. It was a beautiful sunny day.

One of the islands, Governess, of which access is not allowed, has a tomb, a megalithic monument from the Neolithic period. At the time, 3500 BC, the island was still connected to the mainland.

For lunch we stopped at the Illumines (Island of the Monks). We had a walk around the island with its old stone buildings, thatched roof houses and historical churches. A great lunch topped off the day.

 

 

 

 

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Château Chenonceau, in the Loire Valley sits over the river and is a remarkable place to visit. This is called the Château des Dames because of the women who are linked to its history. Katherine Briçonnet had the chateau built in 1513. Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis enhanced the structure. Mrs. Dupin saved it from the destruction from the French Revolution.

I remember visiting Chenonceau on one of our earlier visits to France. Yes, I have aged!

The Chateau d'Ussé was rebuilt in the 1460s and finished in 1538. It is maintained that this was the castle that author Charles Perrault had in men when he wrote his work, Sleeping Beauty. Today the chateau is privately held. I still say it is more impressive from the outside. Many of the rooms are decorated with wax figures in costumes, some a little hooky, others not so bad.

Chateau Chambord is the big one.

This chateau, which has never been completed, was build by King Francois I. It is the largest chateau in the Loire and was built as a hunting lodge. The King's Royal residences were at the Château de Blois and the Chateau d'Amboise. Everything we visit Chambord the sheer size the the elaborate architectural details are just so impressive.

 

Chåteau D'Azay-le-Rideau

After Chateau Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau has one of the most scenic settings. It sits in a small lake/pond, The reflections of the chateau in the water, and the calmness the water creates are quite impressive.

Chateau Saumur.

One of the first chateau we visited was the Chateau Saumur. Unfortunately it was not open so we could only walk around the grounds.

Our house in the Loire is actually two houses. We were located about 10 km from the town of Chinon. It was one of those places where the owners could not do enough for you. One of the pluses that we really enjoyed was the large garden with tomatoes, basil, onions, zucchini etc.

With a kitchen like this, you know that Chris Grant, our chef, was very happy.

 

We would have our morning petite dejuner on the patio outside the large house. Then we would head out to tour the Loire.

Glenn sitting in the patio off the "little house".