Fairytales, Floral Splendor & Garden Magic

Our third day in the Loire Valley felt like stepping into a storybook—complete with drawbridges, turrets, floral wonders, and sprawling gardens that seemed to stretch into forever.

🌟 First Stop: Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

We arrived around 9:30 a.m., just in time to watch the drawbridge lower. Walking across to this castle on a hill overlooking the river gave me complete Cinderella vibes—with its turrets and towers rising like something from a fairytale.

Inside, the château was full of character, from cozy library nooks to lofty vaulted spaces. On our visit, we were delighted by a special exhibition of modern art from local artists—a beautiful contrast to the historic setting.

By midday, we found ourselves at the on-site café, where I enjoyed the most delicious savory pear tartlet, a creamy café macchiato, and an artichoke-pesto-ham sandwich tucked into a crusty baguette 🥖. We lingered in the gardens as little birds sang around us, a sweet soundtrack to our meal.

🌟 Second Stop: Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

If Chaumont was a fairytale, Azay-le-Rideau was a dream reflected in water. This Renaissance jewel, surrounded by a mirror-like moat, greeted us with a grand wrought iron gate and a flower-dotted approach that set the stage for what was to come.

Inside, each room was brought to life with glorious floral displays. Wandering from chamber to chamber, often with no one else in sight, felt like stepping into a private world of elegance. The rich history tied to François I and Catherine de Medici gave the walls a voice of their own.

Outside, we paused to take it all in, soaking in the serenity and the reflection of the château shimmering across the pond moat. Pure magic. ✨

🌟 Third Stop: Château de Villandry

Villandry swept us off our feet with its vastness. Known for some of the most famous gardens in France, it immediately transported us into what felt like the Queen of Hearts’ wonderland.

Inside, the château dazzled with ornate décor, glittering chandeliers, and sunlit views of the gardens framed by elegant windows. Climbing to the top of the tower, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the perfectly manicured grounds below.

The gardens themselves were spellbinding—symmetrical, sprawling, and endlessly detailed. We spent hours strolling along the paths, resting under egg-shaped wooden domes tucked into quiet corners, fountains gurgling nearby. It was the kind of place that invites you to stay, slow down, and breathe deeply.

Before leaving, we stopped at the gift shop where we met Misty, the château’s friendly cat, who seemed to be the true guardian of Villandry’s treasures 🐾.

🌟 Evening in Blois

We returned to our Airbnb in Blois just in time for dinner. From our window overlooking the Saint Louis Cathedral and the charming square below, we ended our day with a simple meal and the perfect view—watching the town glow as night fell.

💫 Takeaway from Day 3

Day three reminded us why the Loire Valley is called the Garden of France. From Chaumont’s whimsical drawbridge to Azay-le-Rideau’s floral beauty and Villandry’s sprawling wonderlands, every stop was filled with romance, history, and magic.

✨ Traveler Tip: Don’t rush these castles. Take your time, arrive early to enjoy quiet moments, and don’t skip the cafés or gardens—they’re half the experience.

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With wanderlust and wonder,

Krista

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