During my mom’s recent visit to Paris, we decided to take her for a day trip. Where else but to a château? Less than 30 minutes by train lies the town of Chantilly, home to a spectacular château spanning the 14th to 19th centuries, not to mention chantilly cream, which in itself is worth the trip!
Our first stop was the Grand Stables. Yes, horses do still live within this admirable structure!
Do mountains made of marble really exist? But of course. Naturally, in Italy, where most surreal beauty seems to originate. I have observed these white tipped mountain peaks many a time enroute to Monterosso. But it was just recently that I had a chance to explore them up close. The same marble that so many years earlier Michelangelo hand selected for his sculptures.
It was a spontaneous trip. We drove and drove… into the white of Cararra.
Alone on the road. The majesty of the mountains became ours to savour.
Even a few chipped pieces of marble became ours to save. Next stop, Colonnata….
The Loire Valley is quickly becoming one of my most beloved areas of France. Ever since our first Loire by bike trip amidst the grand château earlier in the year. Last weekend we planned another Loire adventure, this one to the scenic village of Amboise, festive and calm in it’s off-season charm. A perfect escape from the pre-Christmas chaos of Paris.
We arrived to a scene reminiscent of a painting.
And there it was, the Château d’Amboise, nestled into the skyline, awaiting our arrival.
But first, a quaint village waiting to be explored. (Would we find a restaurant open? Barely.)
A tour of the Château d’Amboise, home to many of France’s nobility, proved a regal experience.
To say nothing of it’s grounds. Enchanting!
Our last day, guided by the sunshine we visited the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci, along with Mona Lisa, had spent the last four years of his life. It was here that we entered not simply the home but the mind of this genius. Within the château and it’s gardens are displayed many of da Vinci’s creations. I was struck by how advanced he was for his time. A painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, botanist, musician, writer… My Italian smiled proudly at the brilliance of one of his own.
It was an ideal weekend. Already we are planning the next trip… a château or two remain.
Last weekend, after spending several days with my dear cousins from Poland, both in the sea and on land (I dared yet again to hike from Vernazza to Monterosso, this time with 3 kids under 7), my Italian and I left Italy and headed back to France. All along the coast, via train. A journey I had last taken solo. Once in Cannes we embarked on the open road via cabriolet (my idea). Heaven!
Our destination was a village on the Côte d’Azur by the name of Bormes les Mimosas. Here is where I would experience my first French marriage. A couple from the North to wed in the South.
We were immediately smitten. My Italian thinking that we could easily have been in Tuscany.
The stone facades revealed an assortment of candy-colored pastels.
I very quickly understood why the village was named after mimosas.
The view from this hilltop village was magical. A perfect setting for a wedding.
Last weekend we set off to explore the Loire Valley. A regal French landscape rich in history and architectural splendors. What better way to breath the royal air and discover the hidden treasures and grand Châteaux than by bike? Our journey began in Blois, a quick 2 hour TGV ride from Paris. A charming city to call home for a few days. With some of the best French food I have ever tasted. Not to mention how welcoming and friendly the people are. (Note to self: leave Paris more often!)
Our journey began beneath an overcast sky, over the bridge and into the colors of the countryside.
Occasionally we passed a small village with barely a soul in sight.
We continued on the path into the woods… almost 25 kilometers behind us.
And there it was, looming in the distance. One of the grandest structures of all.
Here we stayed to explore the interior of this Franco-Italian masterpiece. In awe.
Needless to say (though my untrained muscles were in denial), the journey was only half complete.
We followed the Loire river back. Passing a private châteaux or two along the way.
The late afternoon sun provided strength for the remaining 10 kilometers.
Until the bridge was again in sight. Magnificent in it’s reflection.
A total of 45 kilometers later, we returned to Blois filled with the energy of accomplishment. Deserving of a feast and a glass or two of wine. And ready to plan the bike route for day two…
Click here to plan your own Loire by bike adventure. Enjoy the ride!
Giverny is a place I had often envisioned during my romantic musings. To walk amidst it’s gardens, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and history. Considering it was recently our two year anniversary, (and we were in need of a little getaway) it seemed the ideal escape. Forty-five minutes via train, into a world created by great Impressionist master, Claude Monet.
I could not help but to think of the lives lived amidst these grounds and within these walls.
Night fell. The last bus departed. We were not yet ready to leave this setting of many a masterpiece.
