So beautiful. There's just not enough time in the world to see everything.
I was watching Joanna Lumley's Greek Odyssey yesterday and she said, "It's amazing to be in the very spot where you know history was made." And it's so true. We sometimes forget the history but it always enriches the trip.
It's so true, Joseph. There really isn't enough time to see everything. I was reminded of that when I saw a really thick book called "1,000 places that should be seen in France" this weekend. And that's just in France - not the entire world!
Thanks for mentioning Joanna Lumley's Greek Odyssey. I just found the videos on YouTube and was immediately absorbed watching one.
Me too. Maybe it's her voice, that soft deep whisper. I watched the whole The Greek Islands series and loved it. So interesting. Oh to have the time and money to just travel. And eat. And drink.
Mary Kay, did you visit all these beautiful castles on your trip? For this U.S. girl, castles are like a fairytale! Are any of them public? I have always wondered (and dreamed of) what it would be like to live in one. As I've gotten older, I have realized they would have (are) immensely expensive to keep up. I can only imagine the cost to heat! Lovely, lovely pictures.
Karene, From one American girl to another, the sight of a castle perched on a cliff still reminds me of all the fairytales that I read as a child. Who cares if they're freezing cold and drafty in the winter! ;) The four that we visited last weekend are all open to the public. Some of them are beautifully furnished (Chenonceau) and some barely have any furniture (Chambord), but they're all remarkable for their architecture. We also visited some smaller, privately owned castles when we were in the Loire Valley last May.
Mary Kay, thank you for posting these beautiful photos of the chateaux in the Loire Valley and reminding me of my trip there ten years ago. I went to Chenonceau and LOVED IT! My imagination went wild as I stood in some of the rooms, particularly in the amazing hall that crosses the River Cher. I only saw Azay Le Rideau from a distance, they were already closed for the day :( The other two are still on my Bucket List for another trip. I agree with Joseph, so little time -- so many beautiful things to see!
I understand exactly what you mean about your imagination running wild in Chenonceau. It's one of my favorites - for the location and the history! Best of all, I was able to see the great hall that spans the river without anyone in it during our visit last weekend. When we went in May, it was so crowded that I couldn't even see the floor in some of the rooms! I'll post some more photos of the castles on my FB page, including one of the empty hall.
I hope that you have the opportunity to cross the other two castles off your bucket list in the near future!
Oh... I love the Loire. And your photo of Azay whatever it's called is nice to see the sun. We went there on a cold, rainy misty day which made the castle just as beautiful but your shot is lovely! And what a festive song :)
The photo of Azay is a bit misleading because it was actually cold, rainy and misty while we were there too. I rushed outside as soon as the sun broke through the clouds to get some pics...and then the sun disappeared again.
Great music. Someone in my family is a big 15th century buff. Have you been to Leonardo Da Vinci's charming home near Amboise yet? Château du Clos Lucé. I know a friendly place for you to stay not that far away, but you'll most likely run into me there.
So beautiful. There's just not enough time in the world to see everything.
ReplyDeleteI was watching Joanna Lumley's Greek Odyssey yesterday and she said, "It's amazing to be in the very spot where you know history was made." And it's so true. We sometimes forget the history but it always enriches the trip.
It's so true, Joseph. There really isn't enough time to see everything. I was reminded of that when I saw a really thick book called "1,000 places that should be seen in France" this weekend. And that's just in France - not the entire world!
DeleteThanks for mentioning Joanna Lumley's Greek Odyssey. I just found the videos on YouTube and was immediately absorbed watching one.
Me too. Maybe it's her voice, that soft deep whisper. I watched the whole The Greek Islands series and loved it. So interesting. Oh to have the time and money to just travel. And eat. And drink.
DeleteMary Kay, did you visit all these beautiful castles on your trip? For this U.S. girl, castles are like a fairytale! Are any of them public? I have always wondered (and dreamed of) what it would be like to live in one. As I've gotten older, I have realized they would have (are) immensely expensive to keep up. I can only imagine the cost to heat! Lovely, lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteKarene, From one American girl to another, the sight of a castle perched on a cliff still reminds me of all the fairytales that I read as a child. Who cares if they're freezing cold and drafty in the winter! ;) The four that we visited last weekend are all open to the public. Some of them are beautifully furnished (Chenonceau) and some barely have any furniture (Chambord), but they're all remarkable for their architecture. We also visited some smaller, privately owned castles when we were in the Loire Valley last May.
DeleteMary Kay, thank you for posting these beautiful photos of the chateaux in the Loire Valley and reminding me of my trip there ten years ago. I went to Chenonceau and LOVED IT! My imagination went wild as I stood in some of the rooms, particularly in the amazing hall that crosses the River Cher. I only saw Azay Le Rideau from a distance, they were already closed for the day :( The other two are still on my Bucket List for another trip. I agree with Joseph, so little time -- so many beautiful things to see!
ReplyDeleteI understand exactly what you mean about your imagination running wild in Chenonceau. It's one of my favorites - for the location and the history! Best of all, I was able to see the great hall that spans the river without anyone in it during our visit last weekend. When we went in May, it was so crowded that I couldn't even see the floor in some of the rooms! I'll post some more photos of the castles on my FB page, including one of the empty hall.
DeleteI hope that you have the opportunity to cross the other two castles off your bucket list in the near future!
these are just gorgeous What a fabulous post! thank you and hope you have a GREAT week !!
ReplyDeleteRosemary
NYC Style and a little Cannoli
Thanks, Rosemary! This week is starting off with some much needed sunshine so I'm happy. I hope that you have a wonderful week, too!
DeleteLovely photo of Chambord reflected in the water. I'm glad to see you had some blue sky!
ReplyDeleteAfter days (nay, weeks!) of grey, the blue sky on Saturday was a real blessing!
DeleteOh... I love the Loire. And your photo of Azay whatever it's called is nice to see the sun. We went there on a cold, rainy misty day which made the castle just as beautiful but your shot is lovely! And what a festive song :)
ReplyDeleteThe photo of Azay is a bit misleading because it was actually cold, rainy and misty while we were there too. I rushed outside as soon as the sun broke through the clouds to get some pics...and then the sun disappeared again.
DeleteGlad you liked the song!
I've only been tooneof those, oops...
ReplyDeleteBut you've been to that one many times!
DeleteThey really look as taken from a storybook, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is true, never enough time/money to see everything there is to see!
Perfect shots Mary Kay!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular photos, as always. How though, did you manage without a single soul? Photoshop or a private visit?!?
ReplyDeleteGreat music. Someone in my family is a big 15th century buff. Have you been to Leonardo Da Vinci's charming home near Amboise yet? Château du Clos Lucé. I know a friendly place for you to stay not that far away, but you'll most likely run into me there.
ReplyDelete