Today was a long day. We drove 45min-1 hour to Chambord and enjoyed the largest Chateau of this region. It was an amazing castle that took nearly 400 years to complete. I will not attempt to give its history or identify many of its unique features. See those at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Château_de_Chambord.
But here are some pictures.
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| Chapel in Chambord |
After Chambord we turned West and visited what we believe is the most beautiful of the Chateau of this region: Chaumont. With meat, cheese, bread, water and fruit as we drove, the children gained renewed strength to explore another castle--and we stopped at a choclatier for a treat.
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| Happiness is Dad letting you choose a chocolate |
During the drive, Scharman continued reading the story of Joan of Arc. As we exited the main road just south of Blois on the south side of the river Cher, Scharman read: "Joan advanced her armies along the south side of the river Cher just south of Blois." It was a surreal moment as we simply looked around out the windows at the town and topography at the exact spot where Scharman was reading about Joan of Arc commanding her troops at the siege of Blois. It made history come alive for everyone in the car.
Chaumont was beautiful and amazing. Learn more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chateau_Chaumont. Here are a few pictures.
Okay, I love the castles of Europe and love the apartments! The place you guys are staying looks great. Okay, so I'll say it again, "what was I thinking"!!!! Everyone looks like they are loving it. If you can spare a chocolate Anthon you would be my best friend. Looked like he found his favorite place. Grammie and I miss you. It snowed/hailed again today. Saw a picture from the cabin with a man standing in a hole he had dug down through the snow to a break in the water line that was leaking. Taken June 1. The snow was above his head. Chaumont I have to say looked a little small though. Not sure how they would fit a family in that place. I'm not sure though that I would have wanted the job of cutting firewood to heat the place in the winter! Have fun. We love and miss all of you. Papa and /Grammie
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are amazing...of you all, of the scenery, all of it. I'm loving it all from my little couch in Texas;) I love that Scharm was reading just as you were driving through...AWESOME! (that might have been my favorite moment) You guys are the best parents I know.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph. Scharman continued reading and when we came to the part where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake while the town looked on, the car was silent. Then I mentioned to the family that on Monday we will be in Rouen, in the very market square where she was killed, and a reverence swept over all of us. It has been amazing to think about the history of this valley as we wind out way through its towns that appear to have been frozen in time for the past 800 years.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful chateaus! You guys really are bringing history alive - even for those of us not on the trip with you!
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