I apparently enjoy grand juxtapositions on this trip. Moving from historic, recent war sites to the grandeur of the Loire valley châteaux was a bit startling. But it was a much needed change and the warmth and hospitality of Sylvie, my B&B hostess, could not have come at a better time.

The Loire valley is beautiful. Everywhere you turn is another gorgeous view, another striking château, another breathtaking view. Even if you get lost driving through the valley, you still are rewarded with a magnificent day and scenery, although it may not have been the scenery or day you were anticipating. Amboise is particularly nice - compact and quaint (not in the teeny, tiny sense, but rather quite appealing) town. It is highly accessible and the locals are very friendly. In a fashion I've come to know and love, I met temporary friends bonding over sports. The sport in question this go-around was the Rugby World Cup. Ireland was playing Italy during my stay in Amboise and I went to a local bistrot to cheer on the Irish. As France was in the same pool as Ireland, and France and Ireland were the top 2 teams in that pool, everyone in the bistrot was rooting for Italy to win which would give France the advantage in the group. I was the odd man out, proudly displaying my Irish shirt, drinking my extremely tasty Belgian beer (Triple Karmeliet) and enjoying watching Italy lose. Good times.

Due to the heavy nature of the previous entry, I thought this one should be lighter and hopefully more enjoyable. So, we are going on a tour of the chateaux I visited with a little game: name that château! The possibilities are: Chambord, Ussé, Villandry, Chenonceau, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Azay-le-Rideau, the castle of Montrésor, and Cheverny. I will give you a little tidbit on each of them to help with the guessing game.

Chambord: the largest (by far) of the châteaux I visited. Famous for it's double helix staircase in the main entrance hall - ?a design of Da Vinci
Ussé: this château was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty (the story, not the Disney version)
Villandry: some of the best gardens in France (seriously!)
Chenonceau: gifted by King Henri II to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, only to be taken back by his wife, Catherine de Medici upon his death. Was used in WWII as a passageway for French resistance as one side of the river which it spans was in German-occupied France and the other side of the river was Vichy France
Chaumont-sur-Loire: the château Catherine de Medici gave Diane de Poitiers after taking back Chenonceau, known for its expansive modern gardens
Azay-le-Rideau: famous for its beauty, however currently under restoration of 75% of its exterior facade. Travel tip! Save your money and visit this after 2017 once the restorations are complete. Its joy is its exterior
Montrésor: picturesque town voted #2 in France for the prettiest village; castle sits atop the hill with some parts previously demolished
Cheverny: the inspiration for TinTin's château de Moulinsart, famous for its hunting dogs

Happy guessing! Would love to know your guesses.