Friday, May 17, 2013

Simply Irresistable - France's Loire Valley - Castle Country


So glad to be able to join Anita
for her third and final
Simply Irresistible Party
which this year takes us outside of Paris
into the rest of France, all of which is
Simply Irresistible!



The Loire Valley in France is filled with more
than 300 chateaus and castles,
what could be more dreamy that to visit
this spectacular area.


This is what every princess dreams of,
castles, moats, towers...


For someone who loves architecture almost as
much as she loves food, having the
opportunity to travel here was a
dream come true.

Our friends, the Harlines were the directors
of BYU study abroad and they invited us
to come visit them in Paris and stay with
them and then spend a week traveling 
with the students to visit the castles
and chateaus.  Craig new I would love this.


This is the spectacular
Chateau de Chambord.



You can't help but be struck by the
beauty of the roofline of this spectacular
castle which was built by King Francois I.


There are 282 fireplaces in this castle with
440 rooms.  Having loved watching Downton Abby,
can you imagine the staff it would have taken to
run a place like this?


This little princess would have liked a room up on the
top of this.  I don't remember what building this
was from the trip, but it is fabulous.


The size of these buildings are so immense.
Of course most are not filled with furniture
anymore, but the architecture still delights.


I don't remember the name of this one, but I love how
it sits right on the river.
reminded me it is Chenenonceau - thanks
Sarah!)
These places have lasted for so many years
and are still awe inspiring.


This shot hardly does this justice but this 
is the Chateau de Usse which was the inspiration
for Sleeping Beauty's Castle.  
I want to be an architect during this time period!
How filled with fantasy and whimsy they are.




Of course I can't do a post on Paris without
a little chocolate thrown in.  This was our breakfast
several days from a little pastry shop right
by the apartment
Chocolate Chocolate Eclairs and Chocolate Napoleon.




We decided to spring for lunch at the
Eiffel Tower Restaurant.
(They lived just a couple of blocks
away from the Eiffel Tower)



I chose this Lobster Salad.
The presentation and atmosphere 
were incredible.  Lunch is always
a great way to try out some pricey places.


I think this was a Lobster Bisque that my
hubby ordered.


And as always we had to try out
several desserts, just because.....

Yes, this little princess was living a
fairy tale by being invited to come along and
visit some of the fantastic chateaus and castles
of the Loire Valley and she is happy to share
this with

and


Just because I want to make you drool and inspire you
to go to France!
(Best macaron I have ever had from Angelinas - yes it
was huge!)




May the lights of Paris (and France) never dim!
And may you have an opportunity to visit
there!!!


Amour
I will also be posting with

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

Chocolat - French for Chocolate. I adored chocolate from a young age when I had to sneak in the cupboard to find where my mother had hidden the Nestle's Chocolate Chips. Having read about the famous chocolat shoppes in Paris, when I finally got there I was determined to try a chocolate from every Paris shoppe. I invite you to share my adventures in creating, in travel, and in life.

41 comments:

  1. Very pretty Jacqueline! Looks like you had an amazing time:@)

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  2. I am having trouble wrapping my mind around the size of these castles! Stunning in beauty and size, they are indeed architectural wonders. What a fab trip you had, how I would love to take a trip like that!
    Jenna

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  3. Morning Jacqueline.
    so glad you were able to make this trip and to bring back a bit of Paris to the rest of us. Absolutely stunning!! Of course, the food photos are just as stunning!! Enjoyed!!
    Shug

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  4. What a fantastic trip! I loved seeing the castles and the food. Thanks for the virtual tour of France. I enjoyed it thoroughly!
    xo Beth

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  5. I would have happily climbed inside your suitcase.

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  6. I am literally tingling Jacqueline, to see this most GLORIOUS POST. I have a mad crush on castles, especially the elegant French ones you are featuring here. The size of the CRÊPES and the macarons! Only in France. My dear, a million thanks for joining in, and the party has begun chez moi. Come when you can, let me know you were there and visit the others at your leisure; we have a week to do so!

    WOW is all I can say to this most beautiful and romantic trip through one of my favorite regions in the world!! Anita

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  7. HOLY COW....on ALL counts!!!!!!!! :-) That just makes me want to pack my bags! If it wasn't for the flying part, I'd be headed to Paris right now!!!

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  8. Isn't it just the best?
    You certainly had a wonderful opportunity, with friends living in the City of Light.

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  9. You have taken my breath away with the images of the Castles... Just beautiful.
    bisous!

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  10. Oh my. Since I don't fly, I will never make this trip, but I am so glad you shared it with me. I can't imagine seeing the castles (I can imagine eating that food)! What was the round thing in the bisque? It looks like the trip of a lifetime...loved it!

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  11. Jacqueline,
    You and Craig look aweswome in these pictures! You have had many trips and many more to come! So fun! I will show Daughter*4 your pictures and maybe convince her that going to France to visit isn't a bad idea. Since her luggage stayed in France when were went to Germany for Christmas for 2 weeks, she has had a chip on her shoulder about France! 15 years old and without luggage is not good! LOL Your pictures will provide quite the incentive!
    Hearts to you girl!
    Betsy

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  12. Jacqueline - I am so happy to have found you through Anita's link party. Your photos are spectacular! As much as I adored seeing the castles, I think the food pictures are the ones that really got me. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. What an amazing trip! Paris is beautiful. I was only there for a day so I didn't get to see all the castles. I loved all of your pictures. Thank you so much for sharing. Blessings, Dani

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  14. One cannot top great food and great architecture!

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  15. Oh, the castles are amazing! This is the first post that I've visited so far that has shown castles. I have a thing for castles, so I am smiling big right now. Your pictures are beautiful. And those desserts, oh my!

    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  16. I just had to come by once more to take in these châteaux, Jacqueline! Having fun? It has been so lovely....enjoy! Anita

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  17. Omigosh, we have just returned from the Loire Valley where we saw the chateaus you mention. I have also written about them this week and you may find your missing names there. Aren't we lucky to have the privilege of travel!

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  18. I need to get to France! I think that if I saw a castle like this one, I would just faint dead away! Absolutely fantastic!

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  19. A beautiful country, a beautiful Post a Bellisimas photos and charming moments.
    I will follow from now

    regards
    Luisa Maria
    http://personallyselected.blogspot.com.es/

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  20. These castles are stunning! I wish I could live in one of them, a couple of rooms would suffice...

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  21. I had the most fun going on your fantastic journey with you and your hubby.The castles and gothic architecture,The food.
    Thank you so much,
    Marie Antionette

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  22. Welcome in France...nice to see you here.......love to do this together...Anita is such a good friend to all of us...enjoy the weekend love Ria...xxx...

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  23. Gorgeous. I loved the photos of the castles. I especially loved Chambord for I have a framed printed photo of the inside of the castle hanging in my home. I'm such a romantic.

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  24. Jacqueline, perfect topic for Irresistible France! We toured the Chateaus of the Loire Valley in the fall of 2011. I would love to return and visit again. The chateau built over the river is Chenenonceau. It was one of my favorites. I agree, wouldn't it be fun to have been the architect of these structures.
    Loved the visit! ~ Sarah

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  25. Oooooh La La Jacqueline. such beautiful photos and you always capture the food perfectly. The castles are such great architecture. It looks like you and your hubby had a divine time. One can never get enough. I want to go back! I finished Joni's blog. I sent her an email. I am recovering at home. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts....xoxo Linda

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  26. Jacqueline, Jacqueline, Jacqueline!
    My tummy is really rumbling now after seeing your yummy post!
    Hopping in from the lovely Anita's shindig to say hello!
    Bon weekend.
    Paul:)

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  27. CASTLES and CHOCOLATE!

    How dreamy!!!!!
    ~ Violet

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  28. Love those castles! What beautiful architecture.

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  29. Hello Jackie,

    Isn't it cool strolling around Paris streets and to fancy restos?

    Champ Élysée is one of the best and fancy to dine in. Well, to name a few.

    You could drop by Stockholm, Sweden as it only a couple of hours to fly, LoL*

    Enjoy your Sunday.
    /CC girl

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  30. Dear Jacqueline I enjoyed this so much. So many fabulous places, and yes I am drooling over the cuisine and deserts!

    Come with me on my adventure in France.
    life, possibilities, grace
    a beautiful dream...

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  31. Hello Jacqueline,
    I thought I would come back and answer your Q's.
    the images shown were found by my best friend Sherry.I have no clue where she got them.You are free to use them.But I really think your pictures are outstanding.You were there and that makes them special.
    The doll is my creation.
    My blog was my own.I got ill and was going to shut it down.Sherry said she would help me keep it open.So now we just share it.She creates interior type stuff and I create dolls and such.Sherry does all the posting.I'm puter dum...LOL.She does a fine job.She even makes up the stories that go with my dolls.she truly is an amazing friend.I hope to visit you again.I did love your post and thought it was one of the best.
    XXOO Marie Antionette

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  32. BONJOUR JACQUELINE!!!!!

    That crêpe, that GAUFFRE! Again, your tour here is a delight of sound, sights (those châteaux) and TASTE! Thank you for joining in on this party, Jacqueline, and for showing us the France you find simply irresistible! HAVE FUN!!!!! And I agree with you that in France, I found nothing but kind and wonderful people. It helps when you can speak to them! Anita

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  33. I am DROOLING! I feel like I have gained 5lbs reading your post :-)
    Wonderful!
    Di
    x

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  34. Fabulous! I am officially hungry now! Love, love your post for the party!

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  35. What a great opportunity you had, Jacqueline. Travelling with friends is just so much fun, especially when they know so much history. Of course, you had to add chocolate, didn't you? :)'s

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  36. I am trying again today to leave a comment. It would not let me yesterday.

    You know I love Paris and your post makes me want to return. I would love to have lunch at La Tour Eiffel. We considered dinner and didn't. Your lunch looked great.

    All the chateaus are stunning and so interesting. I had a great time traveling with you. Those desserts are mouth watering.

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  37. I have visited the Loire Valley several times and each time I love it more. The castles, chateaux are simply stunning, and gigantic!

    I am like you for breakfast, an eclair or two and I am good for the day!

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  38. Hi Jacqueline,

    I enjoyed reading your fabulous post of your trip to France.
    The Loire Valley is beautiful with all the Chateaux. We stayed at Chateau Bouvet Ladubay in Saumur.
    The food in your post looks divine.
    Great to discover your blog and thanks for sharing.

    Carolyn

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  39. What a wonderful visit to France. I have only been to Paris and Giverny and did not see any castles. Definitely next time!

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  40. The Loire is a castle farm, isn't it? They have such a specific fairytale look to them don't they? I loved touring the area and visiting the ones that were open or looking wistfully at the ones that weren't. Great to stop by your blog for this.. thanks to Anita for bringing everyone together for this great party... love your photos.

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  41. Oh my , the memories you've evoked. I didn't go to the Loire valley but Paris and the castle at Versailles . We had dinner at the Palace , at Angelina's , we ordered 4 desserts including apple Charlotte . Then we went to Bavaria to explore the castles , Lindehof , Neuschwanstein and Hosangwenau . The Loire Valley is on my must see next tim list.

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