Today was one of those days that felt like a dream — the kind of travel day where beauty is everywhere you look. We’re staying at the Oceania Hotel in Tours, France, and after a leisurely start to the morning (breakfast at 7:45, on the road by 8:45), we set off to explore two of the Loire Valley’s most beloved châteaux: Chenonceau and Chambord.
Château de Chenonceau was our first stop, and I don’t even know where to begin — it’s elegant, romantic, and rich with history. Built over the River Cher, it’s often called “The Ladies’ Château” because of the many influential women who shaped its history. From Diane de Poitiers to Catherine de’ Medici, their stories are literally built into the walls and gardens here. I found it especially moving how the château became a hospital during World War I, and how, during World War II, the river beneath it marked the line between occupied and free France.
While exploring the grounds, I stopped for lunch and had fish and chips (and enough fries to feed a small army), but the real standout was the strawberries — they tasted exactly like the ones my grandmama used to grow. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. I also had my first Orangina of the day — that fizzy orange drink just hits differently in France.
Later, we visited the massive and majestic Château de Chambord — the largest château in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognizable with its fairytale-like spires and elaborate rooftop. Built by King François I as a hunting lodge (yes, really), it’s a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture. The most fascinating feature? A double-helix staircase believed to be designed with input from Leonardo da Vinci himself.
At Chambord, I couldn’t resist picking up a few local goodies — some raspberry cookies made in the region and a small bottle of Chambord liqueur to remember the day.
On our way to and from the châteaux, our Globus motorcoach passed many smaller châteaux, each one more beautiful than the last — the kind of countryside views that make you grateful for every twist and turn in the road.
Back at the hotel, we had a little time to relax before dinner. Our included meal tonight was simple and satisfying: a Caesar salad, a hearty beef stew, and a truly decadent French dessert (the name escapes me, but I’d recognize that taste again in a heartbeat). And of course — the bread and French butter continue to steal the show at every meal.
After dinner, I went for a walk with one of my new travel friends. Tours is such a fascinating city — a blend of medieval charm and modern energy. The historic center is full of half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and lively squares. Once the capital of the ancient province of Touraine, Tours has long been an important stop for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. These days, it’s a university town with a relaxed, welcoming vibe — perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
Tomorrow we’re off to new adventures; visiting the Musee D’orsay, and our farewell dinner on a Seine River cruise, but today was one I’ll remember for a long time: castles, strawberries, and the soft golden light of the Loire Valley countryside.
Cleared For Take-Off! 