I'm moving to the Loire Valley....

It's official. I'm moving. To the Valley of the Loire, where the wine is delicious, the chateaux plentiful and the people so nice. This weekend was filled with visits to three different french chateau. The Blois Chateau (pronounced Bl-WAHHH), the Chenonceau Chateau, and the Chambord Chateau.

Bl-wahhhh!

My favorite was the third castle we visited the Chambord, I could live there. It was used as the inspiration for Disney's Beauty and the Beast Castle. :) I couldn't help my self from singing a little to myself as we arrived. I was a little surprised the locals didn't pop out at me and say "Bonjour, Bonjour, Bonjour!" But, I'll have to just accept that fact. lol. Included in this visit was a row boat excursion around the Chateau. I won't lie. My arm muscles are a little wimpy after all the walking I do in Paris, and the lack of upper body strength I've been using. So, rowing was tough especially against the wind! But, all in all we made it back to the dock and never tipped the boat over. Much to our surprise.

Chambord...my new home! jk

The other chateaux we visited were all super gorgeous and hearing about the history was really interesting. After taking FR310 French Civilization and Culture this past winter semester I was kind of giving our tour guides a run for their money when we discussed Henry of Navarre and Queen Margot. I wasn't surprised by how thick the blood of French history runs, but I was still a little mystified by the underground world of Kings and chateaux for their mistresses.

Chenonceau

The last and most important thing about this weekend to tell all of you is that the hotel clerk in Tours told me that I had a beautiful French accent, and he didn't hear those very often! Thank you Nell Kupper, you've taught me well!

I think it's important to mention that I totally forgot my camera in Paris. And have stolen these shots off the interwebs....but since I found them so easily through google, I figured I was just making things easier on you.