We travelled southwest from Paris to Blois early evening on Wednesday, May 21st, 2003. The next few days were spent looking around the Loire Valley, mostly at the various chateaux. The photos on this page feature Blois and Chambord on the Thursday, and heading in the direction of Chenonceau on the Friday morning.

1. A motorway stop (off the A10) between Paris and Orleans. This was a toll road with a speed limit of 130km/h and a cost to us of $23 for about 120 kms.
2. Our hotel (B&B chain - adequate, well-priced accommodation) south of Blois.
3. Breakfast selection at hotel.
4. Looking towards Blois from hotel.
5. Blois at sunset.
6. Cheese (fromage) aisle at the local supermarket.
7. Driving towards Blois.
8. Old street in Blois.

9 & 10.
The Royal Chateau of Blois (in the centre of town) dates back 1000 years.
11. Bakery in little street in Blois.
12. Old church - Eglise Saint-Nicolas de Blois.
13. Protest march - something to do with education cuts.
14. Another appetising bakery selection in Blois.
15. View towards the Loire River from la Cathedrale Saint Louis.
16. La Loire (the river) at Blois.

17-21. Le Chateau de Chambord, the largest and most grandiose of the chateaux we saw. Begun in 1519, it is set in a 5,440 hectare forest park.
There is no charge to enter the grounds to enjoy these views.
22. Fancy tourist coaches.
23. Post Office in Cour-Cheverny (where we finally managed to cash travellers cheques - after various stores, a restaurant, tourist operator, petrol station and bank had all said "Non").
24. Cour-Cheverny - note the bike-riding local with his baguette (french loaf).

25. The village of Cheverny.
26. The chateau at Cheverny. This is as close as we could get without paying.
27. The village of Fougeres sur Bievre.
28. Dwelling in that same village.
29. Church in a village further down the road (at 11.53am).
30. Lunch stop in the woods.
31. Enjoying his daily baguette portion.
32. Montrichard on the (river) Cher.