Last day in Loire. Gabs hogged me to spend time doing homework, visualization etc. Said she wanted me to have a 'gabi' day. Visited villandry castle, huge beautiful gardens, redone early 1900s to represent French gardens. Had a garden for all , cloud garden, sun garden, kids garden, pond, maze, kitchen garden full of vegies and herbs...more. Girls loved it apart from jaz being in the blues due to being left out. Fortunately she snapped out of it, and at lunch al...

All woke around 830, I kicked off with a quick swim, tagged with bettsy. Visited the chenencou castle. Stunning, best yet. Took a bateau on the river in the morning, only just made it in time. Gorgeous under the castles arches but it wasnt till we went inside the castle grounds and interior that we fully appreciated the beauty. Last few decades it was controlled by women and it has been left as it was in 15th century. Jaz loved the bedrooms, they are definitely ...

Relaxing day at our castle. Hung out with animals, visited the local castle azay de rideau, and had BBQ dins at home. Kids loved it. They needed some down time. Gabi harped on about wanting to be in bed at 730! She was also v keen to complete her homework, stressing about what raji might say. In bed by 8, gabi out, others couldn't sleep, as so accustomed to the later hours. Franks kept appearing.

Our first morning of rain. Managed a quick few laps before kids up. So nice to swim! Yummy big breakie again, kids are in heaven with huge Chocolate chaud each, pasteries, du pain avec confiture ou fromage, oeff. Gab's tum being ok, trying cereal instead if bread/salad instead of sambos... But hard for her. Day trip to chambord castle. Massive in middle of forest, a hunting residence. Not nearly as intimate and pretty, and way more tourists. Jaz loving the castl...

Such a great day, maybe our best yet!! Started with a quick walk, bettsy and I tag teamed. Full spread for petit dejiner, served in the richly decorated dining room by the 'maid'. Very posh. Madame Picou is lovely ! She greeted the girls in french. Already the castle feels different. Clearly we have the run of the joint, as no-one else here. Castle time. Usse first- sleeping beauty fairy castle. Big hit with the Aurora story and women dressed in period gear. C...