Chambord - yes you add it to champagne, but did you know that its made at the old hunting lodge of King Louis X1V? I didn't either!

Chateau de Chambord is AMAZING and well worth the side trip if your enjoying a drive through the Loire Valley. For me the Chateau represents an image that for years I have envisaged when I've pictured European Castles. The intricacy of the stone work and the design of the rooms was everything I imagined it to be. Gothic details, winding staircases, white stonework, stained glass windows, fireplaces, tapestry, terraces connecting the tower rooms to the main hall - absolutely beautiful. Make sure you check out the album!

Continued onto Bordeaux - one of the western coastal cities in France. We stayed in the heart of the city for a one night stopover. I definitely recommend a visit to try the delightful wines - apparently the Bordeaux region exports over $9Billion of wine per annum!! Its the largest wine region in the world. Make sure you stay out of the city - its a little dodgy :)

xox Steff