momentary locals

September 16, 2019

Today was our last full day in Val de Loire. The plan was to end this part of the trip with a bang, so Blois and Chambord were in the books for the day. It was another fantastic morning for a jog here in Montchenain. Little cooler but beautiful sunrise over the wheat fields. 

The town of Blois is about an hour from Montchenain but worth the drive. I personally like to start all my sightseeing at the Tourism office so I can pick up a ‘plan de ville’ (map of the town) to find my way around. Plus they are usually centrally locates, this one being right next to the Château. Overall, it’s a cute walkable town. Plus we had found the best patisserie we’ve had yet in France. It was called Eric Saguez and we liked it so much we returned before heading out to get pastries for the road. I got a pastry called Chausson de Napoleon, which translates to Napoleon’s slipper. It had a flaky sweet outside with a custard and raisin center – yum! And Chris enjoyed a koug amman, so crispy sweet on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, we got two of these on our return trip! We enjoyed walking the old narrow streets of the town and checking out the cathedral, churches, and storefronts. We had lunch at a place recommended by a storekeeper, Le Bouchon Lyonnaise. It was nothing noteworthy. I had my first coq au vin of the trip (rooster cooked in a red wine sauce), it was a bit gamey tasting for my palate and their tarte tatin was burned on the edges. 

We did not go to the Château because we had Chambord planned for the afternoon, but I would recommend it if you have not been. We went several years ago and it was very nice. 

Next up was the mother of all chateaux, Chambord. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Blois, allowing for a scenic journey through the French countryside that only adds to the anticipation of reaching this majestic landmark. Built in the 15th century as a hunting chateau for King Francois I, Chambord showcases the grand vision of its architect, which is evident in every detail. The thing is massive, with 440 rooms spread across its impressive structure, each reflecting a unique aspect of Renaissance design. Although you don’t get to see every room on the visit, you can check out around 75 of them, each offering beautifully crafted furnishings and intriguing historical explanations. As you wander through the halls, you can almost hear the echoes of royal footsteps from centuries past.

It’s important to note that they do charge for parking (6€), and per person, it’s one of the pricier Château of the area at 14,50€ per adult. However, considering the rich history, stunning architecture, and the sheer scale of this chateau, it is very much worth every penny! We left feeling inspired, having experienced a slice of French royal history that is hard to match elsewhere.