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France - Day Seven

Day seven:

We began our day today with our guide Deborah and driver Jean Jacques traveling along the meandering River Cher to the beautiful 16th-century Chateau de Chenonceaux. 
As we made our way to the Chateau, our guide Deborah gave us a wonderfully detailed account of the colorful background of the Chateau. 
Built on a bridge, the Chateau was once home to Catherine de Medici but was originally given as a gift from Catherine's husband, King Henry II to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers.  Upon the King's death in 1559, his strong-willed widow forced Diane to exchange it for the Chateau Chaumont. Catherine, now the Queen Regent, made Chenonceau her favorite residence and for good reason. 
The Chateau is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and 
truly spectacular rooms filled with beautiful tapestries and even a donkey farm.


After our visit to the Chateau Chenoneaux, we made our way to the absolutely charming town of Amboise. 
After spending a few hours of dining and shopping in the magnificent town center, we made our way to Chateau d' Amboise, the royal residence of Charles VIII, where we marveled at the rolling green hills and panoramic views. 
Inside the ramparts of the Chateau, we explored Saint Hubert Chapel which is the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.  


After our visit, we bid adieu to Amboise and made our way back to our hotel in Tours for dinner as a group. 

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