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LodgingWhen I was planning this trip I wanted to stay at the
Chateau Noizay but, it was booked. After our stay I am happy they didn't have a
room. The Chateau des Ormeaux was really wonderful. We There are many chateaux that offer lodging. Some are more like grand hotels while others still retain their castle like ambience. There are also plenty of hotels for any budget in all of the towns. It is a good idea to pick your hotel based on what you want to see. We chose to stay outside of Amboise because it was centrally located to Villandry, Chambord and Chenonceaux. The city of Blois would have also been a good choice. Tours is more modern so I do not recommend staying there. DiningOur first night in the Loire Valley we ate at L'Amboiserie on the outdoor terrace. We both had the traditional menu and shared a pitcher of rose for 47 Euro. The salads topped with salmon to start were great. I had lamb chops which were pretty good followed by a cheese course. In Blois, we had lunch at Le Marignau in the square in front of the chateau. We both had salads and a pitcher of white wine for about 20 Euros. I did not come to France expecting to eat so many salads. For some reason I didn't think there would be so many on the menu. I know that French cuisine is not all heavy sauces like it use to be but, I still didn't picture having so many delicious choices. On our last night we ate dinner that night at a hotel in Vernou, Les Perce-Neige, recommended by the chateau owner. We sat outside on a terrace and I was actually cold once the sun went down. It must have been around 55 degrees. (Coming from Houston this is cold.) The food was very good. I had foie gras pate and fish and an awesome crème brulee. I consider myself an expert on crème brulee as it is my favorite desert. The manager, Brigitte, waited on us and she was really charming. Sights to See
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To book a trip or get more information send an email to
kelly@apostcardhome.com or call (281)334-0427
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had one of the most expensive rooms, 115 Euro per night including breakfast.
The room was huge with a king sized bed, a sitting area and small nook in one of
the turrets. The bathroom was bigger than the spare bedroom in our home (well
nearly). Every morning own of the owners serves breakfast in the elegant dining
room on fine china. Besides croissants and café, there was homemade jam, dried
fruits, cereal and yogurt. The chateau sits up on a small hill and overlooks
the Loire Valley. Guests are free to stroll around the grounds. Below the
Italian style terrace is a pool. 
Chateau
du Clos Luce, Amboise - This was Leonardo da Vinci's last home. At the behest of
Francois I he moved from Italy to the Loire Valley in 1516. Unable to bring all
of his things with him selected only his favorites. A copy of one painting, the
Mona Lisa, hangs in his bedroom. The rooms were nice but, the display in the
basement takes the cake (and I'm not just saying that because we both have a
degree in mechanical engineering). The models of his inventions were detailed
and very interesting. I had not realized that he had designed so many different
kinds of bridges. The chateau is surrounded by park like grounds.