All the adjectives are true. Today my destination was Val D'Amboise, an exceptional part of the Loire Valley, located right on the river and home to two Chateau's. But first a visit to the Amboise markets on the banks of the river (voted Frances #1 market). Plenty of free samples of cheese, meats and something I can't name but looked like a terrine of a boiled horses head (quite tasty!). The chateaux of Le Chateau Royal D'Amboise built by Charles VIII in 1495 and destroyed and rebuilt ever since (although 75% is supposedly original!), offered picture postcard scenes and is right in the village. There are supposedly over 220 rooms. The gardens are also pretty spectacular. The 2nd stop was Chateau Du Clos Luce and the Parc Leonardo Da Vinci. This was the final home of Leonardo and also contains his actual workshops. I had no idea of the scale of his inventive work - including things like ball bearings, the tank, the car, the paddleboat, the helicopter. The thing that surprised me most were his drawings and designs of military architecture, such as fortresses, cannons and machine guns. He was also a pretty handy painter... There is a scenic park adjacent to the Chateau that showcases Leonardo's major inventions. It was a great day out and so interesting. Tonight I am cooking some white asparagus bought from the markets this morning.
So interesting to hear about Leonardo da Vinci, and that asparagus is amazing! I've never seen it fresh like that!