The Extension! Down to the Loire River Valley

The town of Amboise was once the seat of the royalty of France. Henry II lived in both of the castles we visited today. The one above is in the main townsite, and illustrates the transition between castle as a defensible military fortress, and castle as palace and residence.  

But before we embark on our visits, we must eat the fine French foods! (say this with a corny accent)

This palace was called the Lady's castle because Henry II had it built for his queen and for his mistress, who both inhabited it. It is primarily a residence, although it is surrounded by a moat on three sides, which connects to the Loire River. The castle is built in the middle of the river, so it is still strategically (and beautifully) located. During WWII the Cher River (a tributary of the Loire) marked the border between Nazi occupied France (to the North) and Vichy France (to the South). 

Here we are just lookin' at the cool sights!

This group pic is taken in front of the castle that is in town, which is being preserved, but was more than half dismantled after the French Revolution. The revolutionaries saw no need to preserve any vestige of the monarchy, so pillaged the castle for building materials for houses.

Out on the castle grounds, chillin' in the wind. 

The castle chapel. Note the gothic vault.

Sitting and listening to more information than we could ever hold in our already overstuffed brains. Sheesh!

Warmin' up beside a real, large size, castle fireplace fire. This is the first castle fireplace we've seen actually being used. 

A view of the Loire River, from the Amboise Castle.

We had supper in a restaurant that is in a troglodyte cave. This is an example of the places that many around here chose to live in (and some still do have houses that are in the limestone cliffs around here) during the middle ages (and likely before). You'll have to get pictures from the kids because I forgot my camera for the meal.

We're all tired, but happy to be winding down from the hectic pace of Paris. The French countryside is relaxing and, believe it or not, a 10 pm bedcheck time gets no complaints around here. At 10 most of them are in bed trying to stay awake, and failing. Tomorrow we're off to see another chateau, and a cathedral, and then we head back to Paris to a hotel, so we can make our 11 am flight on Tuesday.