A beautiful chateau experience - Azay-le-Rideau

The beautiful chateau Azay-le-Rideau  here in the Loire Valley

What we did on Patrimoine Weekend...

Did a bit of 'cramming' over the weekend that was a mix of work, rest and play. Changeover at 'Les Balcons' on Friday then apéros with neighbours in Barrou. A changeover at the 'Old Walnut Mill' on Saturday then birthday party at Le Grand-Pressigny in the evening. What was strange about our socialising was that on both occasions they were within walking distance of our houses but we had to drive 'home' to La Guerche...felt a little odd!

Working on Saturday meant we only had Sunday to take advantage of 'Patrimoine Weekend' when some doors that are normally closed open under the 'heritage days' banner. We managed viewing a couple of chateaux, visited one of 'Les plus beaux villages de France', failed to visit a museum and added quite a few churches, including one with a tree growing out of its wall!

More on this and other visits to follow.

A visit to Chateau Montpoupon in the sunshine

Yesterday Pauline and I took up our free invitation to have an early look around Chateau de Montpoupon. The owners,who have the formidable task of maintaining this beautiful place, were very generous with their time and hospitality during the visit.

They have a continuous programme of improvements to make the visit as comfortable and as interesting as possible to compete for  tourists in a area awash with beautiful chateaux.

We have visited the chateau on a number of occasions and would recommend it, as unlike some of the major chateaux, you will have a very relaxed visit around a delightful interior without the crowds ...though I'm sure the owners would welcome them!

It also has a well set out hunting museum covering the many aspects of this,what was once a very popular pastime, in the stables of the castle 

We took a walk down into the grounds to get the imposing view from behind the chateau but the bright sunshine made it difficult to take a good photograph but we weren't complaining on what was a glorious spring day.

Adding a chateau...Chateau de Beauregard in the Loire Valley

Living here in Southern Touraine it has been a joy and a relatively painless exercise visiting almost all the major chateaux of this beautiful region, that is the Loire Valley but for whatever reason, perhaps the mixed reviews on the site that 'advises you about trips' we had not made it to Chateau de Beauregard in Loir-et-Cher.

Back in October while on a trip up to Blois we decided to put that right, I am only now writing about it as I have added the chateau to my list of chateaux featured on my Loire Valley guide.

The main attraction of the chateau is its portrait gallery (over 300 of them!) and we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

You even get the chance to be king for the day...well you have to - don't you?

                                                         The young (?) pretender

Actually for us the highlight was the grounds which were worth a walk around. In an effort to add more interest for any visitors they have created an external gallery within the garden which is a virtual history trail.

Should you add this to you itinerary of Loire Valley chateaux? It will not be on many peoples list but if you want to escape any crowds or are visiting Chambord,Cheverny or Blois then you could add it... if your budget allows.

You can see more on Beauregard here

Revisiting Chateau de Langeais...

Here are some pics from Tuesday's re-visit to Chateau de Langeais with friends. We have been back several times over the years but never gone back in the chateau.The town is well worth a visit even if you don't visit the chateau. The church is beautiful and the Sunday market  is very good and it also has our favourite bridge over the Loire river.

Inside the chateau is fairly sparse as it was one which the royals would use only occasionally and would travel to with their possessions and entourage. 

There are two rooms well set up however,the banqueting hall is laid out and the grand salon has the impressive reproduction, in waxwork models, of the mariage of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne.

You also get the chance to go up walk along the parapets where you get some excellent views over the town.

The 'modern' chateau sits in the grounds of what was the original castle built by our old friend Foulques Nerra. 

Behind it you can now climb the 'medieval' scaffolding (honest) which is all held together by rope...

and take in the views.

There is a great treehouse, or as the literature calls it a 'hanging shed'...

and you just have to climb it!

Although perhaps not everyone!

There are also play parks and other fun things for kids of al ages.

There are also great views over the river Loire.

Chateau du Rivau...always worth a return

We returned for yet another visit to the quirky Chateau du Rivau here in the Loire Valley last week as we knew it would appeal to Michael and Rose, who both have a lovely sense of humour. We had a good day weather-wise, which also meant we could take advantage of the interesting gardens as well.

Princess Rose felt quite at home in her surroundings.

There was even time for a little relaxation and contemplation.

Michael actually became quite attached to his hammock.