As some of you might recall, I am over in Europe this month leading a few bike trips. The first two weeks are firmly behind me (and the third week is about to end), so I thought I would give a few updates through some photos. I have tried to be better at snapping photos on this trip, but I still need to constantly remind myself to get off the bike and use the camera.
I am currently in the Basque region of Spain, and I shove off to Burgundy this weekend, but here are a few photos of the time I spent in the Loire Valley during Week Two:
The week started with a couple of nights in Blois, on the Loire river.
All told, there were over a dozen possible châteaux to visit–one of them the massive Chambord.
It was then off to my personal favorite, and one I always visit, Chenonceau.
I think the Loire Valley has some of the best, and most under appreciated wines in France. This 1988 Brédif Vouvray was incredible.
I know Domaine Huet has come under a bit of fire recently, but we had a fabulous tasting there.
No visit to the Loire is ever really complete unless it includes a stroll through the gardens at Villandry.
Quiz time: Any guesses as to where I took this photo? Clear blue skies for most of the week.
A fantastic three hour tasting at Couly-Dutheil in Chinon.
Shoving off to the next trip….
the drunken cyclist 
Wow, those chateaus look incredible
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Pretty much like Disneyland….
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Do u mean in a wondrous magical way? Or the crass commercial plastic way?
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You think it has to be fake, but it’s not. So maybe the opposite of Disneyland, actually.
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The Loire Valley chateaus are something to behold. I loved Blois and the market there.
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Blois does not get as much attention as some of the others, but from a historical (and architectural) stance, it was very important.
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Fabulous!!
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Not really complaining!
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awesome pictures… Very nice!!
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Thanks!
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Jealous!
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Jelly! Enjoy!
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Thanks Martin!
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Magnificent, thank you!
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🌯
That’s a burrito….
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I love Chenonceau! My husband and I had our picture taken in front of the chateau and used it for our holiday card that year. Gorgeous photos. Santé!
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It is incredible–been countless times and it never gets old!
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Outstanding photos … of course the sights make it easy. 😉 … but the second one captured my attention the most.
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It was weird. Just as I was about to leave, the guy and the horse showed up for no apparent reason and was gone just as quickly. I was able to scramble and get my phone out before he left–was worried about the photo, but it turned out….
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looks like you were blessed with some gorgeous weather! I visited the Loire long ago, backpacking summer break during college and I think the only one we visited was Amboise.
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The weather was really remarkable! Next to Chenonceau, Amboise is my favorite–wrote a paper on it in French class in high school….
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OMG a 1988 Vouvray. Wow. that is one of my all time favorites, It had to be incredible, I love Vouvray. The photo’s are great and and you look like you are really enjoying yourself.
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When they pulled that out at the tasting, I nearly passed out. They were selling it for only 25 euros!
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Oh wow, fantastic images Jeff! I’ve enjoyed several of the wines from the region, thanks to my husband who visited there often (B.C. — Before Cindi), but we haven’t gotten there together yet.
I know your wife and boys miss you, but I’m selfishly glad you can vicariously take us all along on your journey through your blog!
Wish the taste and experience of the 1988 Vouvray came through the computer screen as well as the landscape, though.
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Thanks so much Cindi! That ’88 was awesome!
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Ok, ok! Love the images and your trip altogether! Envy, jealousy??? YUPP!!! You bet! Some of us have to work for a living! BUT!!! My dear Drunken Cyclist! Your headed in the wrong direction!!! Being in the Basque Country now means that you must head east/south-east! Catalonia is awaiting and so am I! Welcome! 🙂
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That sounds fantastic, but I am heading back up to Paris tomorrow and then to Burgundy!
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You have the life brother!!!! I hope you drank some Rioja for me. Great pix BTW. Enjoy the ride.
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I drank plenty for you! Now in Burgundy–want me to do the same?
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Yes Please!
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Check!
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I think it was taken in Tours? Am I right? Regards
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Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner–well done!
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We have such gorgeous memories of all those places. We stayed in a most beautiful chambre d’hote in Vouvray – in a troglodyte home… just stunning 🙂
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Jealous! Would love to stay in a Trog home (but would likely bump my head all over the place!)!
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The Loire Valley is one of my preferred regions in France and the chateaux are amazing!
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It really has a lot to offer: great food, fantastic (and relatively cheap) wine, and tons of history!
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Simply like a fairy tale! You are one lucky person!
Miki “This is the Life” Winer
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I am rather lucky, I will admit it!
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Great pictures that bring back wonderful memories, especially Villandry and Chenonceau. And the wine estates you picked are pretty good too! Enjoy the rest of your trip
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Villandry and Chenonceau are stunning, for sure! The wineries were great…
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