Chateau Day ~ September 23, 2008

Last night we had a great dinner, in fact for my part it was one of the best dinners we have had when eating out. The restaurant was called Alchemist and did they have a very intriguing and innovative menu. I began with red currants and chevre cheese wrapped in phyllo pastry with a balsamic coulisse. Don started with grilled herring and a mustard- orange marmalade sauce. We then had Rack of lamb with roasted garlic, pureed celeriac and julienned zucchini. We ended the meal with a raspberry sorbet. What was interesting it was a newer restaurant and it was full of British and Canadians patrons; I should qualify that as there were also French people there but the majority was English speaking.

After a great night’s sleep we were off to visit some of the noteworthy chateaus of the Loire countryside. We will begin with Chenonceaux, then off to beautiful Chambord and finally Ambrose.





In the background is Chateau Chenonceau, les chateau des dames.

With our chateau tours completed we are on our way back to Saumur. Of all 3 chateaus we saw my favorite was Chenonceaux. Much of it has been restored to its former glory where the other 2 had not been, just a few select rooms at Ambrose and Chambord. Chambord is massive and almost garish, and Ambrose was very typical of the gothic style.

As internet is still an issue, posts will not be as frequent as in Aix.

Au revoir,
Barb & Don