We woke up bright and early the next morning. We knew we had a long drive ahead to get to Bourgogne. While we were having our breakfast, we got to chatting with Stephen. By now, I had fallen in love with the French way of living, and fancied buying a summer house we could come to for holidays. I still want to someday. When we finally bid Stephen goodbye, it was close to late morning.
It is amazing that this privately owned chateau has been able to preserve so much of its furnishings. We eventually left around lunchtime.
It was a 4 hour drive to Autun, where we would continue our journey in Bourgogne. Along the way, we stopped at a local supermarket to buy supplies for the typical French lunch โ ham, cheese and bread.
The lady at the checkout was very friendly. Obviously noting that we were tourists, she attempted to make friendly conversation with us. Unfortunately, the extent of my mastery of the language only went as far as to tell her that we were visiting the chateaux in the Loire and were now on our way to Burgundy. I hope it was an encouraging smile. All the other guests were seated on the terrace outside having their dinner when we arrived.
Our hosts Jan and Peter were quick to show us to our room. Our home for the next days was the St. Andoche room. We were so tired when we got there that we only had enough energy for a quick shower before collapsing into bed. Chateau de Chenonceau , France , Loire Valley. The next morning, we woke to the sound of doves cooing outside our window. Breakfast was served on the terrace. It was just sublime. Sitting out on the terrace with our morning coffees, enjoying the warm sun, revelling in the serenity and peaceโฆ this was the ultimate in French country living.
