We decided to hire a car for a day trip so we could travel out to a famous French Equestrian riding school for a visit and special show. Then we would return via one of the most impressive Chateaus (yes another one) in the whole Loire Valley and it has the most amazing gardens. Our new friends Brian and Cathy from the US had been there a few days earlier and sent a short video. This is one Chateau we had to visit.

And we would feel a whole lot safer getting there …. Well at least I did. For some reason Kylie had white knuckle fever again and seemed really nervous as I initiated myself with driving on the opposite side of the road and had no idea what the road signs were telling me. I am sure I heard her say, let me get back on the tour mini bus please.

But what about the title photo you ask ….. Well after researching the car rental options I ordered something sporty similar to the car in the photo above. Here is a picture of the hire car we were greeted with  ……

Yep … You guessed it. A baguette delivery van. And it was a diesel !!!

This was not how I pictured us flashing through the French countryside in a sporty convertible. The only benefits were realised later when I was driving down small village lane-way and the side mirrors almost touched the houses …… and next when I had to pay for fuel and the whole days touring cost us less than 15 Euros. If I had planned it better and organised a delivery of baguettes from Tours to the country side, I may have been able to make a profit for the day.

Anyway, back to the serious stuff. The visit and the show at the equestrian centre was incredible. But sorry folks, no photos allowed. Spooking the horses during this show would not be nice. You will just have to wait for Kylie to describe it to you. But I could tell by watching Kylie follow each horse jump over the obstacles or do the dressage routines, she was reflecting back to the days of her showing and riding Arabian horses. It was definitely a great experience for us both.

Here is the only photo I can share. No chance of spooking this horse.

After leaving the equestrian centre, I encouraged Kylie back into the delivery van to drive to Chateau Villandry. Kylie mentioned something about wild horses wouldn’t get her back in the car. But I think that was just the effect of seeing all the equestrian stuff. Besides, how bad could it be  …….. as we were about to drive into the Loire Valley back roads and I was relying on some lady called Miss Google Maps.

We had a great afternoon at the Chateau and explored every part of the gardens and every step up every high place in the Chateau …. Possible pay back for me scaring Kylie through the village back streets.

Will share just a few photos …. But I have to use an old favourite quote here (sorry only Countdown fans from my generation will get it) … Do yourself a favour ………and see it in real life if you ever get the chance.

Farewell to our last Chateau visit as we both quietly say a prayer for our drive home in the delivery van. I am guessing Kylie’s prayer was a lot more focused than mine. I think I was just praying that I do not get run off the road by the mini bus tour driver from yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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