Val de Loire ...

March 17th 2012 - Saturday : Me and 'A' packed our snacks for a 1 day trip to the valley of Loire. This region encompasses some of the magnificent world renowned and picturesque castles of France. Our target was <Chateau de Cheverny>. This was a group tour and our voyage started in a auto car from Paris to Loire. With a commentator in the bus who was explaning each and every monument or french town we passed by, the 3 hour journey went unnoticeable. 

Chateau de Cheverny : The famous Belgian comics writer - Herge, author of the world famous "Tintin series" created the 'Marlinspike Hall' inspired by this castle. The interior design of the castle by Jean Monier  is a  treat to the eyes. Also the 'Arms Room' of the castle gives you a complete insight of the arms, weapons & armour used by the aristocrats during war and  hunting. 

And speaking of hunting, Chateau de Cheverny is quite famous for its hunting grounds. They have the largest dog kennel I have ever seen in my life comprising of around 100 hunting dogs ( French white and black hounds). These dogs were trained to hunt together in packs directed by humans and were valued a lot in deer hunting.

Our next stop was at Champignonniere Montrichard (Mushroom cellar) :  

La cave des Roches at Bourre hosts a mushroom farm located 50 meters underground cultivating several varieties of mushrooms like: Pied bleu, shitake, pleurottes, champignons de Paris... in a natural atmosphere of 13 degrees.

Around 40% of the world 'Pieds Bleus' variety, a top quality mushroom is grown in this cellar entirely handpicked and destined to the best starred restaurants in France and other countries.

This cave was originally a stone quarry of the former 'Tufa Stone' variety used extensively to construct the existing castles of the Loire Valley. This stone has the unique feature of hardening and whitening on coming in contact with air. Not to miss the underground town , created as a testimony to the spirit of the 19th century village, a scene of lost rural life,  depicting its  history for future generations to come.

On our way back, we had a glimpse of the beautiful town of <Amboise> and its castle. I never knew that Leonardo Da Vinci  spent the last days of his life in this town. I also took pleasure in spoiling 'A's' happy mood by throwing up in the bus ( Omlette potten ;-D)

Fulfilled with the day's visit and a soap made from "Donkey's milk"(!!!!) as a souvenir, we proceeded back to Paris, with my legs & tummy squealing at me 'Get back Home'... !


Check out the pics at https://picasaweb.google.com/111084055882466445931/ValDeLoireMarch17th2012?locked=true#