From Cave to Chateau

On Monday we left Salies-de-Bearn and headed north, our destination being Amboise. On the way, we stopped at the Grotte de Rouffignac, a prehistoric cave once inhabited by our proud (and heavy browed) cave-dwelling ancestors, who left behind a plethora of animal paintings on the walls and ceiling. Unfortunately, picture taking was not permitted so our selection is meager.  
We arrived in Amboise in the evening and took a short walk around the town, which is home to the chateau of Francis I, as well as a guest chateau which once housed Leonardo da Vinci. We toured the former the next day, before once again moving north. (TS)

In front of the entrance to the Grotte de Rouffignac, which stretches for six kilometers underground. We rode through a portion of the river-formed tunnels on a small train. 

Troglodyte homes in Amboise 

The Pont du Marechal Leclerc in Amboise, which connects the town to the Ile d'Or, the only inhabited island of the Loire

Half timbered house in Amboise

The Chateau of Amboise

The author, Maryrose, and mom in front of the chateau 

Heraldic flags on the wall

Maryrose and mom on one of the turrets of the castle 

Nathaniel, Maryrose, and the author in front of Leonardo's Chapel, where he is said to be burried

Leonardo's Chapel

Leonardo's Chapel viewed from the ground (outside the chateau)

A gargoyle on the chapel

Another view of the flags

The author, Maryrose, and Nathaniel in front of the chateau, with the Loire in the background