Moronville

Saturday 28th June: Leaving our Chambres d'Hotes at Moronville, to travel to Paris and take the Eurostar to London. The people here, Yves and Florence, were very hospitable, and we loved the rooms on the top floor, with the salon in the 17th Century tower. The views of the countryside from our windows were breathtaking, and we wanted to stay longer and just relax. The Ford Mondeo TD1.9 was a great car with 6.1 L/100km consumption during our 800km round trip to the Loire Valley and Giverny.

Chartres

Friday 27th June: This was the view from our restaurant at Chartres. Its about 9pm at night, and we've just started eating dinner. This was a traditional place, with provincial menu and no english speaking waiters. However, we managed to translate and communicate our choices to get something delicious without too many suprises! It was a warm evening, perfect for outdoor eating!

Chambord Chateau

Friday 27th June: Chambord Chateau is huge! This was once one of the most important chateaux in France. The woodland around the palace is expansive and a very beautiful setting. Today was a hot summer day, very enjoyable for strolling around the balconies and seeing the royal rooms with art and tapestries on the huge walls. Not too much vertigo was felt from the balconies! We also heard a choir from America sing inside! A nice ice cream and tea afterward under the trees at the café with the view of the chateau was also wonderful.

Giverny and Monet

Thursday 26th June: We hired a car and drove 1 hour to Monet's garden at Giverny. Well worth the visit! The garden is so tranquil, and his house is inspiring and very traditional, with french style opening windows looking across the flowers and greeny. The water garden is very relaxing to walk around or sit and take in the sound of the birds and nature. An artist would be very inspired by this environment.