Monday, November 16, 2009

Western Europe Part IV

1st Oct'09 (Thu): Day 6 ~ Paris - Belgium

Visiting Janice, Patrick & Nathalie


Sweet Nathalie

Lunch at L'astrance

Last Stop in Paris - Eiffel Tower


2nd Oct'09 (Fri): Day 7 Belgium





Old Town - Ghent

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Western Europe Part III

29 Sep (Tue) ~ Day 4 Loire Valley
0750 Depart "Paris Montparnesse" station
Train ticket (Eur 34)
0853 Arrive "St Pierre des Corps", collect rental car from Avis office at the station
Car rental for 2 days (Eur159.5)
Gardens of Villandry

famous for its beatiful gardens... And I love the idea that there're unlimited grapes for you to eat as you stroll around the garden...


Apple Orchard along our drive...
with the freshest and sweetest green apple I've ever tasted


Candes St Martin
This is one picture taken with much effort...

Fontevraud Abbey (Abbaye de Fontevraud)
Beautiful 12th century monastery, which houses the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart


Lovely pink flowers growing wild at the backyard of the Abbey...


Sumptuous Lunch of a HUGE potful of Mussels
Posing for a victory shot after finishing the Whole Pot (with the help of Dew, of coz)!

Château of Azay-le-Rideau
Picturesque scenery~ reflection of the traditional french chateau on the calm river


Vineyard at the back of the Chateau
We found a small vineyard, but Vic brought us to a BIGGER one...
It's so big, I couldn't see where it ends!

The Grapes up-close

Dinner at L'epicerie - #1 out of 25 restaurants in Amboise
Remember to make reservation to avoid dissapointment!

30 Sep (Wed) ~ Day 5 Loire Valley

Breakfast at the Dining Room
Sumptuous spread with various choices of homemade jams.
It's so delicious, we just got to get one!


The "Cave" where the wine are stored...
Lovely Kitchen



Chateau des Ormeaux
Listed as one of the Top B&B in Tripadvisor and it's not difficult to know why...


Dew with Vic outside Chateau des Ormeaux
- Parting shot before we continued on our road trip

"Our" Lovely Chateau ...
Reminiscence of our luxurious and royal stay

Continuing on our road trip
to visit some of the famous sites and Chateau in Loire Valley
Admiring the scenic view along Loire Valley...
One fine example would be Blois
City (pictured across the river)

Château de Chambord
The Biggest of all chateau in Loire Valley
Interiors are decorated with period furniture...
If there's only one Chateau that you should go, it has to be this!

Indulge yourself in the Renaissance architecture as you expore the castle's 440 rooms and surrounding grounds

Leonardo da vinci's house
Quaint little house, but interior is not so special.
Definitely not worth the entrance fee in my opinion...


Passage of trees leading to Chenonceau Chateau
I love the walk along the path lined with tall trees on both sides...

Chenonceau Chateau
Classic castle over the Cher river

The train ride back to Paris in the evening...