into the sunset

It's not Saturday, but here is a warm July sunset for you as I depart for a trip to the States to visit family and friends.  As a result, Amboise Daily Photo will also be on vacation while I'm gone.  See you in August.

the gardens of Château Gaillard

The original gardens of Château Gaillard were among the first Renaissance gardens in France.  King Charles VIII brought Dom Pacello da Mercogliano from Italy to Amboise in 1496 to design and implement them.  By 1500 Dom Pacello was recognized as the most prestigious landscape designer in Europe.  Today, the gardens are being meticulously recreated by the new owner of the estate.  My photo shows only a part of that work.

la Boulangerie XVe

Tucked away in the hillside next to Château Gaillard is this fifteenth century boulangerie (bakery) that served the royal residence fresh bread. Below is a view from the other end of the troglodyte (cave) room.

the metallic rainbow

Bright sun streaming in through stained-glass windows fell perfectly on this old and ornate radiator.

Château Gaillard 2016

Château Gaillard is open again for the summer.  It has been under renovation in recent years (see it here in 2014) and each year I look forward to seeing what has been accomplished.  This year the château has been beautifully furnished with many new wonderful pieces.  In addition, the gardens continue to be developed and enhanced.  Here is a link to the château's web site (in French).

an explosion of color

Here's another example of how Amboise maintains its "3 flower" rating (click here to read about it).

unusual timber framing

I haven't seen much timber framing like this around Amboise although I have seen it elsewhere. Just across the street is a nice cylindrical planter seen in the foreground.  And in addition, this house has a nice view of the Loire.

synchronized swimming

retrospection on the Loire

This 1955 Chrysler looks right at home in the shade of la place du marché (open air marketplace) on the banks of the Loire.  Happy Independence Day to all Americans wherever you are.

looking back

I've looked at a lot of flowers, but I never had one look back at me before.

still looking down

After yesterday's Theme Day, I find I need to post my other contender for that day.  Rest assured, though, that after today, things will be looking up.

Theme Day - "look down"

Today is Theme Day for the worldwide bloggers of City Daily Photo, and today's theme is "look down".  I hope this theme appeals to you as it was my suggestion.  My entry for today was taken from the Leclerc bridge looking down onto the shallow, sandy waters downstream of one of the bridge's piers (click on it to see an enlarged version).  Click here to see how the other bloggers interpreted the theme.