Yesterday we hired a couple of bikes and rode out to the chataeu “Chambord”. We chose an unfortunate day for bike riding! It was very cold and cloudy and slightly depressing. It could have been worse though – at least it wasn’t pouring with rain. We also slightly underestimated our fitness level for bike riding. Although the ride was relatively flat terrain, our legs started to give way halfway there. Bear in mind the ride was 2 and a half hours – one-way. We finally arrived at Chambord, munched down some pre-made baguettes that we bought in the morning, a little bit squashed from the journey but so good because we were hungry!
The Castle itself was very awesome inside and out. We paid 9.50€ each to go inside. It was fun exploring the castle inside, but it was cold! On the third level hallways, the vaulted ceilings are carved with Francis I’s monogram combined with his emblem the salamander – a mythical creature able to live in fire. This decoration was repeated all over the entire ceiling which was huge. Some rooms were furnished so we could see how people lived during the various eras from the 16th to the 19th century, and other rooms were just like a museum showing various artifacts in cabinets.
The ride home was really hard! Our legs were burning out and our backsides were KILLING us!! The 2 and a half hours back seemed a lot longer. We just put our heads down and rode, driven by a dogged determination to get home. So in total 5 hours of riding yesterday. Hmmm. After dropping off the bikes we waddled home in pain, had a very hot shower and set out for an awesome dinner.
We each paid 16.90€ for a three course meal. Very french and it was “tres bein!”. As usual we ate half of each course and swapped so we could try a bit of every thing. Although for dessert we didn’t swap because we each had our favourite: Isaac had creme caramel and I had a very rich chocolate mousse. But we each sampled both. YUM. Also had a huge beer (50cl, which is 500ml) – “Leffe Blanc” which went to our heads.
That dinner was a great way to finish off the day. Walked home and pretty much passed out straight away!
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