Recently updated on July 22nd, 2025 at 12:52 pm
Today we said goodbye to Paris and took off for a day in the French countryside. Our first stop was Chartres to see the largest cathedral in France. Marie, our Travel Director says there are over 150 stained glass windows and many also come here to see the ‘Sancta Carnisa’, a shroud believed to have been worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ’s birth.
We pushed on through the Loire Valley for a nice lunch at Chateau de Chambord, previously a hunting lodge built many centuries ago for King François I. It’s one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in France and has over 400 rooms!
Next we went to Chateau Chenonceau and this is what I call a palace! Walking around the massive 15th century grounds is just as breathtaking as seeing the castle itself, it really is a place that has to be seen to be believed.
On the way back to our hotel we stopped at today’s Hidden Treasure – the place where Leonardo De Vinci is buried.
The highlight of my day was our Be My Guest dinner. We were taken to a local farmhouse where we met the owner Beatrice and greeted with a glass of Kier. This farm is the real deal; they make their own goats cheese and cheese products. Beatrice showed us around and shared stories about the history of her farm and the region. We all sat down for dinner in what used to be a cow barn but has since been nicely renovated. Let me tell you, the food was amazing! Fresh goats cheese salad which couldn’t get any fresher, followed by Osso Bucco and the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had.
I won’t forget the French songs that Marie taught us on the way back to our hotel – we all had a great laugh!
Next stop Lyon.
Matt Cameron-Smith
Managing Director, Trafalgar Australia
