Today was a cool and cloudy day in the Loire Valley, perfect for visiting one of the many chateaux. We started off with a visit to the small local market and a walk around the main part of town to find a coffee shop. Then we headed off to Chenonceau.

Chateau Chenonceau is one of the most beautiful of the Loire's chateaux, built over the Cher river . The first part of it was built in the 16th century on the site of a demolished medieval castle and mill. Over the next 100 years successive owners added formal gardens, a bridge across the river and then galleries over the bridge, all in Renaissance styles.

It has an interesting history of owners, especially women - after the original owners were kicked out for abusing their power as tax collectors, Henri II took it over and gave it to his mistress. When he died his wife, Catherine de Medici, kicked her out and moved in. A few years later the wife of Henri III withdrew to live there in mourning after his death, and died there almost forgotten by society. The chateau was then restored in the 18 th century by Louise Dupin, and then taken over in 19th century by a couple of the industrial bourgeoisie who lost it due to a political scandal when they started selling off some of the treasures.

During the First World War it was a hospital, and again in the Second World War when it was on the line of demarcation between the occupied and resistance areas, and was used as an escape route across the river for resistance fighters.

The formal gardens were really nice, and the potager made Heidi very jealous!