Tours June 29-30, 2026

The ride was a bit longer today, but fortunately, the heat has eased up and it was very bearable. The Place Plumerau, with its incredible half-timbered houses and many cafes, invited me to linger and is known as one of the most beautiful squares in France.
Afterwards, I strolled to the hotel, and on the way, I had a bagel and a crepe with salted caramel, Tarte Tatin, and vanilla ice cream...

eHolag is right next to the train station, basically at the pulse of the city: ideal for those who prefer a buzzing life over silence. The main goal of my trip was, of course, the castles along the Loire: Château Chambord and Chenonceau. Chambord seems like Eurodisney but in real life. Chenonceau is a bit more delicate but brings a lot of drama in its history: The king gifted the castle to his favorite lady, and upon the king's death, the deceived wife took the hard route — out with the mistress, in with the splendor. Result: The castle was not only taken over but also beautifully enhanced.

Moral of the story: Castles accumulate like fashion victims — the stories remain the same, only the wallpapers get more glamorous.

My hotel was directly next to the train station, practically at the heart of the city: ideal for anyone who prefers a buzzing life over silence.

The main goal of my trip was, of course, the castles along the Loire: Château Chambord and Chenonceau. Chambord looks like Eurodisney in real film quality — just without the queues, but with many more towers. Chenonceau is a bit more delicate but carries with it the best drama series in the region: royal gifts, jealousy, and power games with style. The king gifted the castle to his favorite lady, and upon the king's death, the deceived wife took the hard route — out with the mistress, in with the splendor. Result: The castle was not only taken over but also beautifully enhanced.

Moral of the story: Castles accumulate like fashion victims — the stories remain the same, only the wallpapers get more glamorous.