Thursday 7 March 2024

Day 29 En route to Paris

En route to Paris

9 January 2023 

Amboise is a town in central France’s Loire Valley. It's known for the Château d'Amboise, the grand 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII featuring Leonardo da Vinci's tomb, as well as royal chambers, gardens and underground passageways. Just outside town, Château du Clos Lucé is Leonardo's former home, where he lived until his death in 1519. 




 From here we travelled through the French country side on the A6, then A19 via Orleans,to Chambord. It is best known for its Château de Chambord, Part of the Loire Valleu UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the most recognisable châteaux in the world, because of its very destinctive French Renaissance architecture.

                                                  

We were a bit overwhelmed with the grand, tree-lined access road, which led up to the parking area. Not many vehicles in sight, so we were a bit unsure if the site was open to visitors. Luckily they were open to the public and we bought our tickets.


So many stairways (including a very iconic double-staircase designed by Leonardo da Vince- purpose: Preventing the royalty and servants from laying eyes on one another!!), so many turrets, so many beautiful rooms, with the most extraordinary  wallpaper.





We had such a great afternoon exploring this beauriful building. 



At the start of World War II in 1939, the Louvre was closed, aparently for renovations, but at this time, most of the valuble art pieces were transported to the safety of Chambord, including the Mona Lisa.


Travelling with teens always opens the door to new experiences... After exploring the châtue, they found a great spot for the filming of a tick-tock video. So before we could leave, the parentals had to take part in this endeaver too!! It was fun. Not so much the running through the thunder shower to get back to our car....... 


Onwards to the Eifel of Eifels tower.



ps Nina was starting to get very antsy..... her dream of visiting Paris, was with-in a touch of being realized!!