Tuesday 27th August to Sunday 1st September 2019 – At and near the Chateau near Assay, France.
The majority of the week was dedicated to family enjoyment in the Chateau with all of it’s facilities. The swimming pool was used daily, the tennis court saw it’s fair share of use, ping pong, darts, table football and many games of cards were the order of the day, coupled with superb local wine and food. Baguettes were consumed by the dozen! Each night one couple was responsible for the evening meal, the remaining meals were “grazing” as one was hungry. Although a couple of days excellent breakfasts were prepared.
On one day (the 28th August) the celebration of the 40th Wedding Anniversary of the Cliffords was celebrated (albeit a few days late). Elizabeth had arranged for professional chefs to come in from Tours to prepare a sumptuous feast in the formal dining room all duly decorated for the occasion. Champagne, wine and delicious food were the order of the evening with all dressed in some form of red clothing to celebrate the “Ruby” anniversary.
On one other day (30th August) we all went into the closest village – Chinon – to visit the farmers market, the fortress and an enjoyable dinner in one of the squares in the town. Chinon has an upper and a lower village connected by an outside lift. We parked near the Fortress and took the lift to the lower town which deposited us next to the restaurant.
The only other times we left the Chateau were to go to the supermarket for the baguettes, cheeses, wine and food consumed daily in Richelieu which was some 8 kilometers away.
On the final full day, Elizabeth, Kevin, Anthony & Alex we’re taking the train back to Paris as three of them were flying back to Toronto that night. Elizabeth stayed overnight near the airport and got a flight the next day.
Melissa, Adam and Declan stayed at the Chateau for the day and the four of us went to the Chateau of Villandry. A truly spectacular vast garden and large castle still privately owned, but open to the public. We toured all the various parts of the garden – maze, water, kitchen etc gardens were one more stunning than the last.
We returned to “our” Chateau for dinner and packing as the next day we were leaving early.
Roger & Anne Travels 