The Chateau du Lude
After an amazingly good sleep in the silence of the countryside we set off for chateau Lude. I’ve never heard of it before and am totally unprepared for the quite extraordinary sight that greets me when I emerge from the ticket office. This is an immense private palace that is an incredible real life museum. We encounter a big black Labrador lying on his back wanting a tummy rub, he's the owner’s dog and yes - they still live here.
Visitors aren’t allowed to take photos of everything inside for privacy and security reasons but let me tell you it is a very strange thing to see a TV next to a signed photo of the late Queen Mum who stayed here in 1984 and a cabinet containing a lock of Marie Antoinette’s hair and that of her children.
The ancient library with its vaulted ceiling and enormous ancient book of the lands of Lude which must be about a metre squared, the suits of armour, 18th century costumes, sit side by side with the paraphernalia of everyday life in this huge chateau.
I wander into the gardens with their ancient stables filled with old carriages and even a sedan chair. Down a set of stairs in a tower to the 15th Century kitchens where the countess’ chef is teaching volunteers to make soup which they hand out to visitors.