"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Touring France


I have so many photos of my Paris trip that I haven't shared, so I thought I'd show some from our foray to the Loire Valley.  I loved it.  Wish we could have spent more than a day there.  It is located two hours from Paris.  We visited Chambord and Chartres.  I can't remember what is what so I'll just let you enjoy.  


Da Vinci himself designed this staircase.  After we left, I found out he lived his final years around here and is buried somewhere nearby.  I would have dearly loved to visit his grave site.


Some of the household accoutrement.


I loved the quaint villages.  I was surprised that the local roads were only one lane, though I don't remember meeting other cars.  Some of the towns were quite small.  We'd be driving along, and look through an allee of tree and there would be a huge, gorgeous chateau.



The bedrooms at Chambord were still decorated beautifully.  This was the bedroom of Louis XIV.


This tapestry, one of many, was huge.



Don't ask me, I wasn't driving.


Of course, the crazy bird lady of Peaceable Hill Farm was too busy feeding the birds to fully drink in the views.


A statue of the lady of the house and her shoes (and I didn't say this, but they were pretty big for the time period).  More to come.




9 comments:

La Table De Nana said...

I know I keep saying I would love to visit Paris..But I am most charmed by small towns.. I remember those roads..My husband did all the driving in Europe..So many KMS..and so many quirky roads..all charming to us.
I am still tempted to see the famous places..
But...the country is where my heart is happiest..
How long were you gone for?
Lovely to look thorugh pics of great times..

donna baker said...

Three friends and I spent 10 days in Paris to try to have time to soak up the culture. First time in Europe, my daughters and I spent two weeks going through Italy, France, Switzerland and London. It is just too much to try and fit in everything on one trip. Truth be known, I'd love to go so many places, but I can't leave my dogs as no one will care for them or love them as much as me.

Cobalt Violet said...

Beautiful! I would love to go there some day! So charming and beautiful!

Kirsten Steen said...

Oh...lovelovelove the new header! And you know I'm gonna love this post! Wonderful pictures. And those road signs...how I miss driving around France! Did you do the english-speaking tour at Chartres? The same man has been giving it for 50 years and he knows every single detail inside and out! Oh please keep posting your photos! Can't wait to see more!
Bisous, Kirsten

donna baker said...

Kirsten, thank you and we had a private tour guide and believe it or not, hardly anyone was there.

Sara Louise said...

The Loire Valley is a place I'm anxious to see, all of those castles make it look like a wonderful fairytale :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ahhhh....La France. Splendid visit dear Carol, and I remember every moment that I spent in the Loire Valley; unfortunately, my husband put the wrong kind of card into out digital camera, so all of our photos of the Loire up to Paris are UNREADABLE! But Chenonceau and other châteaux will forever be in my mind's eye.

Thank you for visiting today and I LOVE YOUR ANIMALIA on the sidebar! Anita

Debbie Nolan said...

Donna - wow - Paris...and love the pictures. I too would have enjoyed seeing where Da Vinci lived out his last days. It looks like you really captured the beauty of the buildings as well as the Loire Valley.
Maybe I will go to Europe someday - but like you I don't want to leave my dogs with someone else. So true no one will love them like we do! Thanks for showing your lovely photos of a very beautiful place across the sea.

jerilanders said...

Oh what a trip! I have never even been to Europe, one of the great regrets of my life. But to experience the old architecture, walk the cobbled streets and follow misunderstood road signs that lead to "who knows where".. that would be a dream come true. I love your trip, please bring us more.