Our friend Wendy was coming to Paris to see some of the French Open with her two friends, Julia and Jared. We all met up in the Loire Valley (I was very happy to go back) and then hit the road and visited castles, chateaus, and wineries. It was loads of fun.
First stop was Orleans where Dave and I spent the night before we picked up Wendy, J&J at the train station the next morning. Orleans is a lovely town, right on the Loire river, and with a seemingly active music school in the center.
Hey look! A music student!
back to Chaumont Sur Loire- my fave. the view was just as beautiful...
...and the broom garden had started to sprout! In my previous post you can see that the brooms had just been "planted".
Also went back to Chenenceau and saw the great hall of game heads.
Stopped for a sunny, delicious lunch complete with rosé...
and a springtime bride on bicycle!
We scheduled a tour at Domaine Pichot (this time it was open!)
The owner was super cool, and unfortunately I can't remember her name! I want to say Caroline. But that's probably not it.
Ms. Domain Pichot and Jared shared their love of golf. She gave Jared a Domain Pichot golf ball. Secretly, I wanted one too. But I kept drinking my wine, happily.
Jared and Julia liked the more minerally-tasting wines.
Back at our little charming hotel in Tours we had a beer and chatted in the courtyard.
Then we made our way out to a restaurant for dinner and got caught in a major downpour.
The storm didn't stop us from looking cute with our polka-dotted umbrellas.
The next day we stopped by the farmer's market right across the street from our hotel.
Sampling some honey ...
Our hotel:
Back on the trail for more wineries!
Another fun and friendly winery!
Meanwhile back in Paris …
Jared and Julia invited us to stay at Jared's father's beautiful apartment overlooking the Seine, in the 3rd arrondissement. I think it's the 3rd.
The view: pas mal!
This was the site of the French Open viewing party. We missed it.
Love on the Seine.
Buddies on the Seine.
Beer on the Seine.
The crazy-cool bedroom where Dave and I slept. Aparently the room is on the small side but we didn't notice because the "tent effect" that the designer created was pretty brilliant. We just felt like we were surrounded by cozy luxury.
