Château de Pray - sunrise

Fog and frost rule on a winter sunrise next to the Loire.

Château de Pray - veil of winter

In winter, leafless climbing ivy on a retaining wall next to the entrance takes on a distinctly veiled appearance.

Château de Pray - sunset

Setting sun on the woods surrounding the château.  (Please click on the image to see in a larger format.)

Château de Pray - the footpath

There is a nice footpath on the grounds of the château.  Large portions of the path are completely covered by a thick carpet of moss.

Château de Pray

My wife Elizabeth and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last year in March by staying in this little château on the edge of Amboise.  It dates back to the thirteenth century when it was a stronghold on the Loire (and named after Geoffroy de Pray).  During the Renaissance, it was turned into a private residence.  And now it is a nice hotel and restaurant.  It could not be more peaceful.