A Family Adventure in the Loire Valley

First Day of Fairytales

The Loire Valley has always been a dream of mine, a place where history whispers from every stone and the landscapes seem painted by the old masters. Today, that dream became a reality as our family embarked on our château adventure. With Sophie and Émile by my side, I was eager to explore the architectural wonders and stories that this region holds. It felt like stepping into a living history book, and I couldn't wait to share every moment with my readers.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Auberge Pom'Poire. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the cozy dining room, a perfect start to a day of exploration. Émile, of course, was most excited about the pastries. Fuelled up, we set off towards our first destination: the majestic Château de Chambord.


Discover the grandeur of Château de Chambord, an architectural marvel in the heart of France's Loire Valley, steeped in history and natural beauty.
As we approached Chambord, its sheer size was breathtaking. Even in the January chill, with a high of around 7°C, the castle exuded warmth and grandeur. The architecture was stunning, a blend of French Renaissance and medieval forms that spoke of power and artistry. I couldn’t help but imagine King François I, a patron of the arts, strolling through these very halls, perhaps with Leonardo da Vinci at his side. The double helix staircase, rumored to be Da Vinci's design, was a marvel. Émile was fascinated, running up one side while Sophie and I took the other, meeting at the top with laughter and awe.

We explored the vast rooms, each telling a story of royal life, intrigue, and artistry. The fireplaces, all 282 of them, stood silent, yet I could almost feel the warmth of roaring fires from centuries past. The intricate details in the ceilings and walls captivated me, a testament to the skill of the artisans who created this masterpiece. Despite the cold weather, the castle was bustling with tourists, all eager to experience the magic of Chambord. We even managed to find a quiet corner where I could sketch some of the architectural details, a habit I picked up during my time at LSU.

History is not just a collection of dates and names, but a living narrative that shapes our present and inspires our future.

After a morning of royal immersion, our stomachs began to rumble. We decided to have lunch at Restaurant Le Château de Pray. The restaurant was just a short drive away and promised a delightful culinary experience.
Experience exquisite French cuisine and breathtaking views at Restaurant Le Château de Pray in Amboise.
The setting was as enchanting as the castle, with elegant dining rooms and views that stretched across the Loire Valley. The French cuisine was, as expected, impeccable. I savored every bite, from the delicate appetizers to the rich, flavorful main courses. Émile, surprisingly, was quite adventurous with his choices, a trait he definitely inherited from Sophie and me.

With renewed energy, we headed to our next destination: Château de Cheverny. Known for its classic French style and stunning interiors, Cheverny offered a different but equally captivating experience.
Discover the enchanting Château de Cheverny, a historical gem in the Loire Valley, renowned for its stunning architecture and lush gardens.
As we drove, the landscape unfolded before us, a patchwork of vineyards and quaint villages. Even in winter, the beauty of the Loire Valley was undeniable.

Cheverny felt more intimate than Chambord, perhaps because it has been owned by the same family for over six centuries. The attention to detail in every room was remarkable, from the polished furniture to the exquisite tapestries. The connection to the comic book character Tintin added a playful touch. Émile was thrilled to recognize the Moulinsart castle from the Tintin stories, and we spent a good hour exploring the Tintin exhibition, laughing at the familiar characters and scenes.

The gardens at Cheverny, though not in full bloom in January, still held a serene beauty. The formal lawns and meticulously manicured hedges spoke of timeless elegance. I could imagine strolling through these gardens in the summer, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the sweet scent of roses. Perhaps we'll have to return in the warmer months to experience that. The kennels at Cheverny were also a highlight, housing a pack of hunting hounds. Émile was fascinated by the dogs, watching them with wide-eyed wonder as they barked and played.

Before dinner, we stopped by La ronde des rêves, a local shop.
Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at La Ronde des Rêves, a charming gift shop that captures the spirit of the region.
It was a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. Sophie found some delicate porcelain trinkets, while Émile picked out a small wooden toy. I bought a book on the history of the Loire Valley, eager to delve deeper into the stories behind these magnificent châteaux. We spent a pleasant hour browsing the shop, chatting with the friendly owner, and soaking in the local atmosphere.

As evening approached, we made our way to Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte for dinner.
Experience exquisite haute French cuisine at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte in Coteaux-sur-Loire – a true culinary gem amidst stunning landscapes.
The restaurant was located in a stunning château overlooking the Loire Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The ambiance was elegant and romantic, perfect for a family dinner. The menu featured classic French dishes, prepared with local ingredients and a modern twist. We enjoyed a leisurely meal, savoring each course and reminiscing about the day's adventures. Émile, tired but content, fell asleep in Sophie's arms before dessert arrived.

The service at the restaurant was impeccable, the staff attentive and friendly. They made us feel welcome and comfortable, adding to the overall dining experience. As we finished our meal, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day we had experienced. From the grandeur of Chambord to the elegance of Cheverny, the Loire Valley had exceeded all my expectations.

As we drove back to our guesthouse, the stars twinkled above us, casting a magical glow over the Loire Valley. The memories of the day danced in my mind, a perfect blend of history, beauty, and family bonding. I knew that this was just the beginning of our adventure, and I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring. Tomorrow we plan to visit Château de Chenonceau, Château Royal d'Amboise and Château du Clos Lucé. Before heading back to Auberge Pom'Poire for dinner, we plan to check out Le Shaker bar.

Back at our cozy guesthouse, I sat down to write, eager to capture the essence of the day. The Loire Valley had cast its spell on me, and I knew that this family adventure would be one for the books. As I drifted off to sleep, I dreamt of kings and queens, knights and ladies, all dancing in the halls of the magnificent châteaux we had explored. The Loire Valley, indeed, was a fairytale come to life.

The Loire Valley in January is a unique experience. The crowds are smaller, allowing for a more intimate exploration of the châteaux. The weather is chilly, but the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the local hospitality more than make up for it. Plus, there's a certain charm to seeing these historic sites dusted with a bit of winter frost.

The day was filled with the kind of moments that make family travel so special – Émile's wide-eyed wonder, Sophie's insightful observations, and the shared laughter that echoed through the ancient halls. It reminded me of why I love exploring new places with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. And as a historical archivist, being able to share these experiences with my readers is truly a dream come true.

As for tomorrow, I'm excited about what's to come. I've heard so much about the elegance of Chenonceau, the royal history of Amboise, and the artistic legacy of Clos Lucé. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of fairytale adventures in the Loire Valley.