A Flooded Loire River

Saumur with the Irish Girls

Four of us Irish girls headed to the town of Saumur on a bank holiday Thursday in April. We had a learned castle historian in Roisín (who had taken a class on them in the University of Tours) so we couldn't go wrong! Kate was in charge of the map while Shona and Roisín minded the excellent drawings of our Irish friends who couldn't physically make the excursion.

The castle at Saumur I learned was a defensive castle (thank you Roisín) and it also served as a prison. It is the vocal point of the town and rests on a hill over-looking it. It differed greatly to the one I witnessed at Angers and appears to be plucked straight out of a fairytale story book when viewed from far away.

Even up close one can dream of what life was like in this castle hundreds of years ago for the inhabitants of Saumur. We did not get to see much of the castle's interior but it was a worthwhile visit none the less. You get lovely views from the castle and the company that day was great wondering around with three of my very entertaining fellow country women!

Chateau de Chenonceau

This is the most beautiful chateau I have been to thus far. Chambord looks utterly amazing in photographs but it's proving difficult to get there. Chenonceau is easily accessible by train from my base in Tours and it really is stunning.

The gardens were my favourite part, especially this pink garden. The Chateau itself is jaw-dropping and it is built on the river Cher. It is huge inside with many rooms and plenty to see. My personal favourites were the kitchen and the gallery. I first saw a picture of this Chateau in my first year French class at college but I never thought I would get to see it in the flesh.

There was a small farm and also a gorgeous labyrinth in the grounds of the chateau. The whole estate, if it can be called that, was just utterly beautiful to walk around and take in.

I travelled that day with a party of American and Canadian students and also an Australian student, some of which were my classmates. They were a great bunch to explore with and I hope our paths cross again very soon!