After six days in Dordogne with my Colorado friend, it was time for the grand finale. We threw caution to the wind and took our first hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, visiting the Chateau at Chenonceau no less.
The tour of the Château at Chenonceau is not exactly what you’d expect from a tour of the Dordogne region of France. It’s in the Loire Valley. We drove a long way to get there, but it was worth it in every way — and from every angle.
Visiting the Château at Chenonceau
First, a boat ride on the River Cher.
Riverboat launch at Chenonceaux
River view of the Chateau at Chenonceau
…and if that wasn’t enough…
Balloon over Château Chenonceau
Balloon ride over the Château at Chenonceau and the Loire Valley
Balloon over Chateau at Chenonceau and the Loire Valley
My first balloon ride!!!
A toast to Julie and to me for a fun and memorable reunion! Here’s to friends!
May they be with us for a reason, a season … for a lifetime!
For more about the Dordogne
7 Days in Dordogne: Step-by-Step
7 Days in Dordogne: Albi to Cahors
7 Days in Dordogne: Cahors to Sarlat
7 Days In Dordogne: Lascaux to Brantôme
7 Days in Dordogne: Rocamadour
7 Days in Dordogne: Market Day in Sarlat
7 Days in Dordogne: Up, Up and Away!
Categories: Around France, Blog, Chenoncheau, Dordogne
We were at Chenonceau a few weeks ago but sure didn’t get to see it from a hot air balloon! We did see the balloons after dinner in the countryside and we saw the spotted ladybug one that you photographed. I have a picture of it, too!
Yes, we were there with the ladybug balloon, too. I have some great photos. I’ll share those sometime. Loved the ride!
Now that’s what I call a finale! What a trip, and thanks for sharing each day.
So glad you enjoyed it too. Great memories and photos, for sure.
Oh, how lovely! I envy you- I have longed for years to take a balloon ride in Provence. But now I think that it would even better in the Loire valley. We have visited Chenonceau and the other famous chateaux but to see them from above would be splendid. Thanks for all the fabulous photos of your trip.
We were concerned about the weather because it was cloudy all morning. By the time of our ride, it was perfect. Everyone should do it once in a lifetime. Loire was a good choice by Julie.
Thank you for a fabulous tour of the Dordogne. We are coming to Cotignac in Provence for the 3rd time in February. Can hardly wait.
I don’t know Cotignac. Where is it? Thanks for following on the trip to Dordogne…
Sure hate to see your adventure end. I’ve enjoyed each post immensely.
Thank you, Elaine. I’d forgotten how fun it was to write everyday. I’m off to more of the Loire Valley in October. I’ll do it again. Meanwhile I hope to research some of the places I’ve been and people I’ve met, so please stay tuned!
arent you going there next month
Yes. Going with Nancy and Lew, but this was just on the edge of the Loire… I was driving Julie close to Paris.