Castles are called Chateaus. Because we were in the Loire Valley in the off season, we got a private tour (or really ride to the castles -- you go in by yourself). Chateau #1: Amboise - place of Leonardo DiVinci's burial. All of the Chateaux's were filled with Christmas decorations -- something pretty special.
After Amboise, we had lunch in town at Brasserie Hippeau (1 Rue Francoise ler). It was ironic that we had lunch in that town the day before with Miriam (Le Lion D'or). We found a great place and I had scallops. David had a nice lamb. 
After lunch we met our new driver. Very knowledgeable drivers--tell you the history before you go in. This is Chambord, my favorite due to its double helix staircase. Built long long ago (maybe 1600's who would have thought you could have a staircase where you wouldn't have to bump in to anyone because one person can go up one side, while the other goes up directly opposite. 
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| Imagine the mirror image of this staircase on the other side. I wanted David & I to start on opposite sides & meet on the next floor, but he is such a party pooper & refused. How fun! Feat of architecture! |
Saved the best for last: Chenonceaux. Chenonceaux means woman: this was the woman's castle -- women queens lived here. I'd seen so many pictures I was so excited to go inside. But there was little to see inside and many rooms/exhibitions were closed due to off season. I began to feel really let down. Luckily, we found the most famous, enchanted part of the castle, outside to take pictures. Suddenly I felt like a kid as we used our selfie-stick to snap a million pictures. The castle closes at 5:30 & we entered at about 4:15. We ran outside and laughed like kids as we tried to get the perfect pix. We must have hundreds from here. We even practiced our kiss and have a lot to show from that too! Since there were so few tourists & it was closing time, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. So much fun.
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