May 13 Tours, Château Villandry, Loches

Our day started with the view of clouds and rain falling. Hoping soon the weather would break and the sun would peek out we headed off for Tours a 50 min drive. Our first stop would be the Money Exchange office, the only one in this area. We had USD we needed to exchange for Euros. Visa and MasterCards are widely accepted throughout France however in some market stalls or small shops cash is only accepted. We found a vacant parking spot a short 5 min walk from the office and soon the exchange was complete.

*On this street in Tours the Money Exchange Office was found*

On the way back to the car I stopped in at this inviting little bakery and bought a cookie to go.

*Inviting Boulangerie on the same street as money exchange stopped in for a cookie*

On our way again we left Tours bound for another Château Villandry that our host recommended. This chateau was known for its beautiful pristine gardens. We arrived in the village of Villandry around 11 am, and found parking on the outskirts of the small village. The Château was only a short walk away.

Entree fee for this Château was around 11 Euros per adult. We wandered through the Château, beautiful but seem to be lacking the cozy atmosphere of a home. Here are some pictures of the inside rooms of this Château.

From time to time we would look out through windows to view the surroundings awaiting us.

We took notice of the beautiful and unique paintings in the art gallery.

At one point we made our way to the top of Château to see the views of the gardens below from a greater heights.

*Notice the pristine designs of the gardens*

With bright warm sunshine beckoning us from outdoors we soon answered the call to explore these pristine gardens. First we took the long walk down the treeline lane.

It wouldn’t be hard to imagine horses and horsemen riding these lanes in full colors keeping watch over this country Château and welcoming the gardeners, porters, chefs, and families coming and going to carry out their duties while overlooking these stunning gardens.

The back portion of the gardens we found large grassy lawns with water fountains. This setting was a setting for true relaxation, contemplation, and meditation. We let Téo play in the lush lawn.

While we sat close by, soaking in the sun, breathing deeply in the fresh air, in a state of true gratitude for this opportunity as a little family to explore the unknown and the new to us. Truly we have found traveling to be a time of rest for the mind, body, and soul. To embrace a new cultural way of life in this beautiful country, we hope many others visit sometime.

Next we crossed over the threshold into the gardens laid out in designs as this blueprint shows.

*Garden description showing the designs*

Rows and rows of colored cabbages, spinach, lettuces, herbs and many flowering plants all around make up this garden.

Hungry, we set out in search of some food, and settled for a little pizza place in the village.

After lunch we loaded back up in our Fiat Mini and set the GPS for destination Loches. Loches is a midsize Village only about 16 mins from Saint Hippolyte where we are calling home these few days. The reason for visiting Loches was mainly to explore the village, walk the street and shop at the boutique stores. Also I had this thing, I really wanted to get a French haircut somewhere while in France. The hunt for a barber shop was on. When we arrived at Loches it began to rain. We were able to find a parking spot near a barber shop on a side street, however there was no availability at this one. Not willing to give up so quickly decided to go scout other barbershop options in Loches to see if any had a last minute appointment available. The third barber shop I tried let me schedule an appointment for 5 pm which was 45 minutes away. This gave us time to browse the shops.

We came across this petite baby/children clothing store, found a nice long-sleeved shirt for Téo here at this cute, second hand store.

By this time it was nearly time for a French haircut experience. I headed up the street to this welcoming barber shop, leaving Mandy and baby Téo to continue shopping on their own.

Arriving at the barber I was led to the back of the shop by a hair basin. First things first, put on the robe then she proceeded to wash my hair. Next the barber chair, but since the lady barber didn't speak English, I typed into Google translate the type of cut I was looking for. This included converting inches in centimeters. She nodded and to make sure we were on the same page. She demonstrated the length and type of haircut. I nodded in affirmation. For better or worse, off she went snip,snip using only a pair of hair scissors. It didn’t take long and she had completed the cut. She held a mirror so I could see the back of my head as well. The final outcome was a great cut. I was really impressed with the efficiency and talent with a pair of scissors. This cut cost 23 euros plus a 2 euro tip.

With the hair cut, neck trimmed, hair blow dried and styled it was time to head back out into the street hoping Mandy would still recognize me. She seemed to approve with a laugh and Téo looked and looked at his Da with a grin. Success! Mission complete! Next time we visit Loches in the future I'll know where to go for a styled haircut.

We stopped by a cozy café to relax and catch up over a coffee.

Outside we notice the rain had stopped for the time being. The sun was shining brightly through the parting clouds, inviting us to continue our exploring of this beautiful country village.

Mandy had spotted a shoe store down the street and another boutique shop that we had to visit next.

At the shoe store we had fun buying a pair of shoes for Téo the kind lady that helped us knew very little English. This made for an interesting time trying to describe that we were looking for a pair of shoes for when he was a bit older. After several pairs of shoe fittings we settled on a size 21… Hopefully they work for a while in a few months time.

Funny thing while trying to find the right size the sales lady brought out a pair of sandals and a pair of Pink socks. We all had a good laugh even Téo seemed amuzed!

The shoe store gifted Teo a free carousel ride. Of course we had take advantage of this opportunity for his first carousel ride to be in Loches, France. How exciting! After the shopping was completed we walk to the towns square where we found the carousel waiting with lights blinking. Since it had been raining we would be the only riders. Mandy joined Téo hold him in place in the big orange truck with an eagle, an Indian on it and a license plate with the number 2907 it actually looked quite American. Téo looked alittle unsure at first but soon was enjoying himself. A great memory in a special town.

What a fun day, it was now time to head back to our country cottage to see what Chef Justine had prepared for us this evening. On the way we enjoyed the drive passing the many wheat fields waving in the breeze.

There is alot of agriculture in this area with large fields full of wheat, mustard, hay and some young crops just being planted.

After arriving back to pur country cottage, soon dinner was ready. Once again beautiful candle light dinner awaited. We were truly being spoiled. A Starter, baguette bread and for the Entrée a fresh garden Mousse. For the main Plat, paying homage to our American cuisine, Chef Justine made us large burgers made with eggplant, tomato, cheese on a fresh Brioche bun with cole slaw and sweet potato fries on the side. Bon Appétit! 😀 For dessert a delicious crepes filled with our choice of filling. I had a hazelnut, chocolate spread with banana. Jeff’s had Chef's carmel filled crepe.

After a yummy meal and fun meaningful conversations with our host we headed to bed. Bon Nuit!

Tours, Château Villandry, Loches, France

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