Loire Valley day 3-4
Much to my embarrassment and horror, I mixed up the times we were supposed to leave Paris the next morning, was packing in a blind panic, and rushed to the bus just as everyone was ready to go. Pro tip: take pictures of the schedule your tour guide posts in the hotel lobby the night before. It will save you and your tour some stress the next morning! Also it helps if your buddy (everybody is assigned a buddy on a Rick Steves trip so no one gets left behind) is really sweet. Mine was and looked out for me the whole trip. Thanks M.!
Our guide was really kind about the whole situation (thank you, Julie!) and we were off for the Loire Valley, the home of France's elegant castles. The rest of the day was incredible. We stopped at Chambord, the less flashy of the two chateaus we'd be visiting. The 3 hour stop was breathtaking and included self-guided tours with English booklets, a gift shop, and the option to purchase a baguette and bottle of water at the on-site cafe. I did all three. ​​
​​
​
on the bus from Paris, we stopped Chateau Chambord, the castle that inspired Disney animators of Beauty and the Beast
After marveling at Chambord, we loaded back up in the bus and finished the drive to Amboise, the little town we'd be staying at in the middle of the Loire Valley. After getting settled in the rooms of our friendly, cozy hotel, Julie took whomever wanted to come on a "walking tour." We crisscrossed the cobblestone streets of teeny-tiny Amboise, learning about the best places to buy chocolate, go on a wine tour, or book a visit of the city's historic fortress. I headed up the hill overlooking the town, where Leonardo di Vinci's beloved estate Close Luce was located. (It's pronounced "clo lusay," by the way). I had purchased a 13 euro student ticket before the trip and hoofed it to make it before they closed. I was impressed by the beauty and peacefulness of the place. The next day, we visited Chenonceau--the epic castle with a legacy of intrigue, scandal, and brave wartime sacrifice. ​​
​
We stayed in the small town of Amboise, known for gelato, shopping, and being the home of Leonardo di Vinci's estate, Close Luce
Days 3 & 4
Every✅ shows a bucket list completed!
 pretty hotel roomvery comfortable |  Exploring AmboiseJulie took us on a tour |  Close LuceLeonardo di Vinci's house was very peaceful. Bucket item complete! ✅ |  Close Lucethe most beautiful part were di Vinci's gardens |
|---|---|---|---|
 Chenonceau (exterior)the unique castle straddles the river. If you're in the outdoor gardens, it's a great photo op |  the kitchen at Chenonceauin the basement of the castle with a view of the lake |  Chenonceau (exterior)a really old (wishing?) well |  Hallway in Chenonceauthis hallway goes over the river (demarcation line of free France in WW2). Castle was used to smuggle people to safety |
 back in Amboisegot some pistachio gelato! amazing |  took a walk along the Loire Riveron a raised path along the bank. |  Julie hosted optional happy hourfun memories with the tour group! |  Perrier at happy hourThis sparkling water made me feel fancy |
my top recommendations for the Amboise
1. Walk along the Loire River or sit on one of the benches along the parapet
​
2. Bring a reusable shopping bag to hold any souvenirs you find. There's a lot of cute shops in Amboise!
​
3. I visited Close Luce an hour or two before they closed. At least when I went, the evening was not very crowded and the sunlight was beautiful.