Wednesday.  It's so fun to wake up and have coffee and good conversation with friends. After the long day of bike riding and sight-seeing yesterday, I wasn't eager to hop out of bed and head out early in the morning.  Instead we planned a civilized trip to see another town and chateau, Chenonceau, later in the day.  Steve really, really wanted to tour Chenonceau -- mostly because he liked to say the French name.  

Steve kindly decided to head out on his own to pick up our breakfast and baguettes, plus we asked him to stop at the news stand, the Presse, and pick up the New York Times.  He practiced his French and away he went.  He wasn't gone too long and he accomplished all of his goals.  

He said he really enjoyed being out and about in the morning enjoying the town and the views.  We think he and Kema really like it here!

As usual we walked to the train station to take the train to Chenonceau at 1:16 p.m.  We just planned to buy our tickets when we got to the station.  Lo and behold, the station clerk was at lunch and would not return until 1:10 p.m.!  People kept arriving and lining up to buy tickets.  Luckily Kema and Steve were first in line so we were able to purchase our tickets and get on the train.

It was yet another beautiful day and the train ride was very fun and efficient.  We got off the train in Chenonceau and walked into the little town to have lunch.  There weren't many places open and we finally stumbled upon a hotel with a garden spot for lunch.  We were seated at a table and given a menu in English.  Upon first review, nothing really appealed to any of us and we almost got up and left.  But we didn't want to be rude so we stayed and we were glad we did. 

Kema ordered onion soup and it came with little side bowls of cheese and croutons.  She just ordered soup because she wanted chocolate mousse for dessert (which she did not share) -- smart woman!  Steve ordered one of the plat du jours which was chicken roasted in prune sauce and frites.  His meal came with a dessert of yogurt cake which none of us had ever heard of. He liked it.  David and I ordered the soup du jour which was a creamy vegetable, and frites.  The soup came in a caldron and was easily two bowls a piece. David also had a salad which he loved.  After all of us being skeptical, the food was delicious!

After lunch we strolled over to the chateau to tour the castle and garden.  The walk up to it was lovely and tree-lined.  According to the brochure, in order to build the chateau in the 16th century, a fortified castle and mill belonging to the Marques family were demolished, leaving just the keep, the Marques tower, which was restored in Renaissance style.  "The layout of the forecourt is a copy of the former medieval fortress surrounded by moats."
  

The kitchen was comprised of 4 or 5 rooms.  So beautiful!  For those of us who watch Downton Abbey, note the bells which must have rung when family members needed something -- just like on the TV show!

Here are pictures of the bedrooms -- none of which is as beautiful and romantic as our bedroom at La Boulangerie!

There is a beautiful little chapel in the chateau.

Kema and I both were very impressed with the gorgeous fresh flower arrangements throughout the chateau.

This chateau is built over a river.  I did not get a good picture to show that.

Many of the ceilings are hand-painted.  Here is just one example.

And here is a lovely picture and Kema and Steve!

We all LOVED Chenonceau and didn't even mind how many times Steve said the word -- just because he liked the sound of it.

We took the train home and it was another fine trip.  We weren't very hungry after our great lunch so Kema arranged a chacuterie board and David took care of the cheese board. With baguette, it was a fine dinner!  

It's almost unbelievable to be living this life!!!