The walled city of Loches is a medieval marvel. Lots of stairs, lots of different sections of the…read morehouse that were not tied together - so we would climb into one area with empty space and then climb back down to another part of the house that also had empty space. There are 2 main parts to this walled city. We saw the Governor's House and the Dungeon although they definitely admit this was a jail of sorts but there was no evidence of it being a torture chamber One really cool part showcased all the wall carvings ( bas relief ) depicting soldiers, religious connections and house guards The jail area also had carvings from their tenants & it wasn't difficult to imagine the awful living situations being held there.

One of our favorite châteaus to visit - Château d'Amboise is a royal castle in the Loire Valley in…read moreAmboise, France. Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Loire River, it transitioned from a medieval fortress into a Renaissance palace and was a favored royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries. The château is known for its Gothic and early Renaissance architecture and its association with notable historical figures. The history is incredible, and worth a tour with a tour guide or the self guided audio guide. One of the nicest surprises of the château, it's the Final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci: Da Vinci is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, located on the château grounds. I have visited three times and never get tired of seeing it!

this was very beautiful and had great views. honestly the actual chateau itself was kinda small and…read moreunderwhelming compared to others but the garden and views made up for it

Visiting a sacred place where Mother Mary helped to cure Estelle Faguette in 1876 in Pellevoisin,…read moreFrance... After the fifth apparition, Estelle was cured of tubercular peritonitis and was presented a white scapular of the Sacred Heart. The mission was to make this miracle known. We found free street parking and a convenient restroom. Inside the chapel, adoration was happening with beautiful a cappella voices. We found murals outside, near the gift shop. We purchased a few white scapular with explanations in English. One of the priests was outside... he happened to speak English well. He explained about the 150th anniversary of Our Lady of All Mercy and was very kind and welcoming! Thank you, Father!

The Château de Chenonceau is a historic French castle known as the "Château of the Ladies" due to…read moreits influential female owners throughout its years. Located in the Loire Valley, it is famous for its elegant architecture, which includes a gallery built over the River Cher. The château features rich Renaissance furniture, tapestries, and master paintings. This Château also paved a pivotal roll during g WWII as its walls helped move Jews out of occupied France to free France during the war. It also has a unique connection to the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy. You'll have to visit to find out more. Additionally, the château's iconic gallery was built across the River Cher as an add on to the existing Château. Its interiors are richly decorated with works by artists such as Tintoretto, Rubens, and Van Dyck. Notable rooms include the bedchambers of Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de' Medici, and Louise de Lorraine. The gardens are exquisitely decorated and it's worth spending some time in them. You will need to book your tickets in advance as this Château is one of the most visited and they need it to control the flow of visitors. Be aware it also takes some time to travel, and once parked, to get to the Château (about a 20 minute walk). Enjoy this visit. I have seen it three or four times and always enjoy it!

This French castle spanning the River Cher is an opulent chateau in the Loire Valley of France…read more Built in 1513 to 1517 by Thomas Bohier for his wife Catherine Biconnet. This stunning Renaissance and Gothic architecture is the style of the women who owned and shaped it. The formal gardens are exquisite. The powerful ladies of the Chateau also included Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. The present day owners are the Menier family, famous for their chocolate. In 1539, King Francis the 1st acquired the estate. Later, King Henry the 2nd decided to offer it to the Queen. Our tour started with a wine tasting of three different wines actually grown on the estate. The fairytale like castle and the story of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty may have been the inspiration. The rooms and the kitchen in the basement are well preserved. It was a lovely experience.