Having spent the last week packing and moving house I have had no time to post; every spare moment has been taken in going up and down stairs, packing and unpacking, arranging utilities etc etc… I am still without internet at my new home, so thought I would grab a friend’s computer for an hour to add a few more images from the amazing Chateau de Chambord, and thank everyone who has visited and liked my post’s thus far – I sincerely appreciate it!

I was dreaming of blue skies and dramatic light on the drive to Chambord, and although not quite as sunny as I would have liked (are we ever satisfied?!?), the awe inspiring Chateau was certainly a sight to behold. Obviously I am interested in architecture anyway, but this was just beautiful French Renaissance architecture. It is the largest of the Chateau’s in the Loire valley, originally being constructed as a hunting lodge for Francois I. Most intriguing is the double helix staircase and the fact that it was impractical to heat such a vast space; as such when the King and his entourage (numbering up to 2000 people) visited, they also brought with them everything from furniture to cutlery; no doubt a major undertaking!

The amazing double helix staircase enables two people to pass each other going in either direction totally unaware of each other’s identity…

Stunning ceiling detail…

After our tour of the chateau it was time to head to our accommodation for the night, La Belviniere in nearby Tour-en-Solonge; this had been chosen by Mel, and turned out to be another of our hotel highlights from this trip. We were made to feel so incredibly welcome by our host Sylvie and her faithful Golden Retriever. I must add that I have in no way been commissioned to promote this place, I simply do so because it was comfortable, romantic and excellent!