Family Adventure in the Loire Valley: Castles and Countryside

Whispers of the Renaissance

Today felt like stepping directly into the pages of a history book, a day filled with the elegance of French royalty and the ingenuity of a Renaissance genius. The Loire Valley continues to enchant us with its architectural marvels and captivating stories. It's a journey through time that leaves you breathless at every turn.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Restaurant Le Château de Pray. The setting was as charming as a fairytale, nestled in a wooded park, and the food was simply divine. It was the perfect start to a day dedicated to exploring the gems of the Loire Valley. Zofia was particularly excited, having heard tales of princesses and inventors. Fuelled and ready, we set off for our first destination: the magnificent Château de Chenonceau.


Explore the enchanting Château de Chenonceau, a stunning castle in the Loire Valley renowned for its rich history, beautiful gardens, and architectural elegance.

Château de Chenonceau: The Ladies' Château

Driving up to Château de Chenonceau, I was immediately struck by its unique architecture. Spanning the River Cher, it's a breathtaking sight. The chateau is often called the Château des Dames (Ladies’ Château) because of the profound influence women like Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, and Catherine de Medici had on its design and history. It’s fascinating to think about the power and influence these women wielded, shaping not only the castle but also the course of French history.

We wandered through the exquisitely decorated rooms, each telling a story of love, rivalry, and ambition. Katarzyna was particularly drawn to the history of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, their contrasting styles evident in the gardens surrounding the château. Diane’s garden, with its formal layout of yews, boxwood, and seasonal flowers, exudes a sense of structured beauty, while Catherine’s garden is a more expansive display of seasonal blooms.

Zofia, ever curious, peppered us with questions about the paintings and tapestries, her imagination sparked by the stories of courtly life. Walking through the grand gallery that stretches across the river was an experience in itself, the light streaming in through the windows, illuminating the intricate details of the architecture. I could almost imagine the lavish balls and celebrations that once took place here.

Outside, we strolled through the gardens, enjoying the manicured lawns and vibrant flowerbeds. The reflections of the château in the River Cher created a picture-perfect scene, one that I know will stay with us for a long time. It's easy to see why Chenonceau is one of the most visited châteaux in the Loire Valley; its beauty is simply timeless.

Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.

Lunch at Restaurant le 36

Experience authentic French cuisine with stunning river views at Restaurant le 36 in Amboise – where every meal is a celebration.

For lunch, we headed to Restaurant le 36 in Amboise. Nestled in a charming 18th-century building, the restaurant offered a delightful culinary experience. The restaurant has a beautiful dining room with tuffeau walls and wood panelling. We chose a table with a view of the gardens. The setting was perfect for a relaxing midday meal. I opted for a classic French dish, while Katarzyna tried a local Loire Valley specialty. Zofia enjoyed a simple but delicious meal, and we all left feeling refreshed and ready for our next adventure.

Château du Clos Lucé: Walking in Da Vinci's Footsteps

Explore the enchanting Château du Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, where art, history, and nature converge in beautiful Amboise.

After lunch, we made our way to Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's final home. It was here, invited by King Francis I, that Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life, working on inventions and masterpieces. As an automotive mechatronics technician with an interest in the history of engineering, I was particularly excited to explore this place.

Walking through the château, I could almost feel Da Vinci's presence. His studio, carefully preserved, offered a glimpse into his creative process. Sketches and models of his inventions were scattered around the room, showcasing his boundless curiosity and innovative mind. It's incredible to think that so many of his ideas were centuries ahead of their time.

Zofia was fascinated by the models of Da Vinci's inventions in the basement, brought to life by IBM from his original drawings. The helicopter, the tank, the various flying machines – it was all incredibly impressive. The gardens of Clos Lucé are just as captivating, with life-size models of his inventions scattered throughout the landscape. We spent a good hour exploring these, marveling at the ingenuity of Da Vinci's designs.

It’s inspiring to see how Da Vinci integrated art and science, his work demonstrating a deep understanding of both. The château itself is connected to the Château d'Amboise by an underground passageway, a testament to the close relationship between Da Vinci and King Francis I. It’s said that the king often visited Da Vinci at Clos Lucé, seeking his counsel and enjoying his company.

Before leaving Amboise, Katarzyna wanted to visit a local shop. We stopped by Un Coin de France Sarl, a charming kitchenware store. Katarzyna loves to cook and was excited to find some unique French kitchen tools to bring back home. Zofia picked out a small pastry mold, eager to try her hand at baking some French treats.

Explore culinary treasures at Un Coin de France Sarl, a kitchen supply store in the heart of Amboise, offering quality tools for every chef.

Dinner at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte

Experience exquisite haute French cuisine at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte in Coteaux-sur-Loire – a true culinary gem amidst stunning landscapes.

As evening approached, we drove to our final destination for the day: Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte. This elegant restaurant, nestled within a beautiful château overlooking the Loire Valley, promised a memorable dining experience. We dined in the glass-enclosed dining room, which offered stunning views of the surrounding gardens. The atmosphere was refined and romantic, the perfect setting for a special evening.

The menu featured classic French cuisine with a modern twist, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. I started with a delicate smoked eel terrine, while Katarzyna chose the escargots. For our main courses, I opted for the roasted duck breast, and Katarzyna selected the pan-seared scallops. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Zofia enjoyed a simpler menu, but she was thrilled with her chocolate dessert.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the château grounds, enjoying the tranquility of the evening. The illuminated château looked majestic against the night sky, a fitting end to a day filled with beauty and wonder.

Looking Ahead

As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on the incredible day we had experienced. From the elegance of Château de Chenonceau to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci at Château du Clos Lucé, the Loire Valley had once again captivated us with its history and charm. Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore the gardens of Château de Villandry and visit the Château de l'Islette. We will have breakfast at Restaurant le 36 before heading to the chateaus. In the evening, we plan to check out Crêperie Bar Cocktails La Cour. I am already looking forward to another day of discovery in this beautiful region of France.

It's moments like these, shared with my family, that make all the planning and effort worthwhile. The Loire Valley is more than just a collection of beautiful castles; it's a place where history comes alive, where art and science intertwine, and where memories are made that will last a lifetime.

P.S. I forgot to pack a portable phone charger, so I had to be mindful of my phone's battery throughout the day. A small oversight, but a reminder to always double-check the essentials!