Yzeures-sur-Creuse, France

As the weather was cooperating today, we took a little tour around the surrounding area.

The first stop was the Chenonceau Castle, the quintessential French chateau. Throughout its history, the chateau has revolved around its female owners. The property was built in 1513 by Katherine Briconnet. The iconic extension across the Cher River was begun by Diane de Poitiers (the mistress of King Henri II) and finished by Catherine de Medici (wife of Henri II) after she booted out Diane. This is the only chateau with its furnishings and contents intact thanks to the efforts of Louise-Marie Dupin. The gardens and setting are spectacular but the best part was the tour inside. It was quite impressive being able to see the chateau fully equipped – you could imagine what it was like for people to live there.

Next on the tour was Leonardo da Vinci`s burial site at the Chapel Saint-Hubert in the Chateau d’Amboise. Despite being dead for almost 600 years, it was quite humbling to stand near such a historic figure. We stopped for a quick (and super yummy) lunch in Amboise. I had the regional specialty, andouilette (tripe) sausage with a creamy mustard sauce and Andre sampled the Eggs Meurette (eggs poached in red wine).

After a quick tour of the Maillot family wine cave in Vouvray (and after picking up a few bottles of thier very tasty moelleux), our final stop was Tours. Our first stop was a clothing store where the Dauphin, Charles VII bought Joan of Arc her armour which was followed by a quick tour of the St. Gatien Cathedral with its impressive stained glass.

We returned to the school to create a tasty chocolate souffle (dusted with Tonka bean infused sugar) that we enjoyed with our delicious dinner.