Family Adventure in the Loire Valley: Castles and Countryside

First Day Fairytales: Chambord and Blois

Our Loire Valley adventure began today, and what a start it has been! Imagine stepping into a world of Renaissance splendor and royal intrigue. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the history and architecture of two of the Loire Valley's most iconic châteaux. It was a day filled with awe, wonder, and a whole lot of family fun. Zofia was particularly excited, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Katarzyna and I were equally captivated by the sheer beauty and historical significance of these magnificent landmarks.

Our day started bright and early as we set off from Potsdam in our trusty electric vehicle, eager to reach the Loire Valley. The drive itself was quite pleasant, with the French countryside unfolding before us like a picturesque painting. After what felt like a scenic blink of an eye, we arrived at 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.

Château de Chambord: A Renaissance Dream

As we approached Chambord, its sheer size and grandeur took my breath away. Even Zofia, usually engrossed in her games, looked up in amazement. The sprawling estate, surrounded by lush greenery, felt like stepping into a fairytale. The architecture, a blend of French Renaissance and medieval forms, was simply stunning.

We spent a good part of the morning exploring the château, wandering through its opulent halls and chambers. The double helix staircase, rumored to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci, was a particular highlight. Zofia and I climbed the stairs, each taking a different spiral, and met at the top, giggling with delight. It’s moments like these, sharing laughter and wonder with my daughter, that make these family trips so special.

I was particularly fascinated by the history of the château, learning about its royal connections and the various events that unfolded within its walls. Chambord, commissioned by King François I, was intended to be a symbol of his power and wealth. And indeed, it is a testament to the extravagance and artistic vision of the French Renaissance. The ongoing exhibition, featuring the works of Kim en Joong, a Dominican Korean artist, added a modern touch to the historical setting, creating an interesting dialogue between the past and the present. I appreciated how the stained glass, ceramics, and paintings explored themes of light and modernity within the château's unique architecture.

Word has it that Chambord has a rich and varied program for 2025, including a new equestrian show directed by Mario Luraschi and the Cavalcade company. It is said that the show will bring five centuries of Chambord's history to life through epic scenes, but unfortunately we were not able to catch it. The Black Eyed Peas are also scheduled to perform later in the year, which is quite the contrast to the historical setting!

After hours of exploration, we were ready for a break. Luckily, our itinerary included a delightful lunch at Restaurant Le Château de Pray, and so we hopped back into our EV and made our way to Amboise.


Experience exquisite French cuisine and breathtaking views at Restaurant Le Château de Pray in Amboise.

Lunch at Le Château de Pray

Nestled upstream from Amboise, Le Château de Pray was the perfect spot to recharge after our morning at Chambord. This medieval castle, with its Renaissance remodeling, exudes charm. The restaurant itself has a grand setting, with velvet curtains, family crests, and elegant round tables.

The Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Chef Arnaud Philippon, offered a menu of daring creations that truly delighted our taste buds. We started with the salmon gravlax with fennel and orange, which was a fantastic blend of flavors. For the main course, I chose the locally sourced fish, while Katarzyna opted for the roasted lamb. Zofia enjoyed a specially prepared children's meal, which she devoured with gusto. I must say the food was worth the stop!

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.

Château de Blois: A Royal Residence


Explore the Royal Château of Blois, a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we continued our journey to Château de Blois. This château, unlike Chambord, felt more like a royal residence, with its diverse architecture reflecting different periods of French history. Each facade tells a story, from the medieval fortress to the Renaissance masterpiece.

As we approached the château, I noticed the intricate details of each facade. The architecture showcased French design evolution from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The courtyard was surrounded by four distinct facades, each representing a different era. I found myself captivated by the seamless blend of architectural styles, a testament to the château's rich and complex past.

We took a guided tour of the château, which provided valuable insights into its history and significance. Our guide shared stories of royal intrigues, power struggles, and scandalous affairs that had unfolded within those very walls. Zofia was particularly fascinated by the tale of Catherine de Medici, whose presence loomed large in the château's history. We also explored the Musée des Beaux-Arts, located on the second floor of the Louis XII wing. The collection featured an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, providing a glimpse into the artistic tastes of the French court.

I learned that the Château Royal de Blois has a sound and light show, which is supposed to be amazing! The show tells the story of the château through projections of video images on the four facades. It sounds like a unique way to immerse yourself in the history of the place, but unfortunately we were not able to stay for the show.

Shopping at Royal Loire Valley


Explore the Royal Loire Valley: A breathtaking journey through history, stunning châteaux, and picturesque landscapes in the heart of France.

Before heading to dinner, we made a quick stop at Royal Loire Valley, a local shop recommended by a fellow traveler. We were hoping to find some unique souvenirs to take back home to Potsdam. The shop was filled with local crafts, wines, and gourmet products.

Katarzyna found a beautiful hand-painted porcelain set, while I picked up a bottle of local red wine, hoping to recreate some of the day's flavors back home. Zofia chose a small stuffed animal shaped like a dragon, which she promptly named Chambord. It was a perfect memento of our day's adventures.

Dinner at Restaurant le 36


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

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Amboise for dinner at Restaurant le 36. Situated in an 18th-century building, the restaurant offered a charming ambiance and a menu of classic French cuisine.

We enjoyed a leisurely meal, savoring the flavors of the Loire Valley. The restaurant had a beautiful view of the Loire River, which added to the overall experience. We started with the escargots, a French delicacy that I always enjoy. For the main course, Katarzyna and I both opted for the steak frites, while Zofia chose a simple pasta dish. We ended the meal with a decadent chocolate mousse, which was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Reflections on a Royal Day

As we drove back to our charming bed and breakfast, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day we had experienced. From the grandeur of Château de Chambord to the royal intrigues of Château de Blois, we had immersed ourselves in the history and beauty of the Loire Valley. And tomorrow promises even more adventure, as we plan to visit Château de Saumur and Musée du Champignon! Good night!

The best view comes after the hardest climb.