Chambord and Cheverny

More cheery chateau!

On my first full day in the Loire Valley, I took the train to Blois (6 euros, $8.50) and caught the excursion bus (Navette Chateaux) to Chambord and Cheverny for 12.10 euros ($17). [Beware that you really need exact change for this bus!! I was only the second person to board, and the driver was already out of change.]


First I took the train from lonely Amboise station to Blois. I caught the 11:10 am bus from the Blois train station to the castles.	Chambord is amazing to look at and absolutely giant!

Entrance to Chambord was 8 euros ($11) because I saved 1.50 euros by riding the bus. The best part of the interior was this double spiral staircase.	The salamander symbol of king Francois I was everywhere! Here was an original salamander carving removed from the elements.

Here is a gorgeous view of Chambord from the other direction.	Because Chambord is in the middle of a hunting forest, there weren't a lot of cheap places to eat. (I should've packed a lunch.) There is a cluster of eateries and souvenir stands near the castle. I ate under the umbrellas.

My lunch was a ham sandwich, Sprite, and French fries for 8 euros ($11). Ouch!	I caught the 2:22 pm bus from Chambord to Cheverny. Admission was 6.50 euros ($9) because I had come on the bus. Cheverny is so pretty!

Cheverny had the most vibrant interior and an American-style historic home feel. (It reminded me of Greenfield Village or the Hermitage.)	Here was a child's room at Cheverny with all the toys out.

This was my favorite room, with the modern wedding dress of one of the family members displayed, referncing the dresses of the girls in the painting.	This was also fun: a child's set of armor. That's a tapestry in the background.

The excursion bus offered a bit too much time at the castles for me, but it was easy and cheaper than a taxi. I took the 5 pm bus back to Blois and caught the 6 pm train back to Amboise.

Back to itinerary

On to the next pictures