Sunday, June 24, 2012

Day 178 - Champigny-sur-Veude - 188 to go

On our way from Richelieu to Chinon, we stopped for a drink.
Champigny-sur-Veude was half way.
The Chapelle St Louis was a pleasant interlude to our drive.




Four photos for four days passed.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Day 174 - Fontevraud Abbey - 192 to go

Fontevraud Abbey - 12th century Abbey
If ever you stay in Chinon - take a drive to the Abbey
You won't be disappointed.



Fontevaud inspired my interest in;
The Plantagenets
Henry King II of England
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Richard the Lionheart
John Lackland
and Isabella of Angouleme

Monday, June 18, 2012

day 172 - Laneways of Saumur - 194 to go

Just a few hours - not long enough to enjoy the pleasures of Saumur.
Maybe next time.
We went to see the Cadre Noir.
That in itself was a pleasure.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Day 171 - Back Lanes of Saumur - 195 to go

Poking your camera around little streets
unearths a few hidden features.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Day 170 - The Gardens of Villandry - 196 to go.

I didn't realise how demanding a daily post would be, even though it was just a photo. I really don't know how many photos we have from five trips to France but surely it wouldn't be too hard to post one daily. However each one does bring back special memories. Currently we are still in the Loire during our 2008 trip, our first time to the region. In the short space of time while staying in Chinon we saw the Chateaux of Chenonceau, Usse and Villandry. I promise no more Chateau pictures from here on.


Friday, June 15, 2012

Day 169 - Villandry Hi-Tech - 197 to go.

Modern technology helps to keep the gardens of Villandry looking magnificent.

Day 168 - Villandry- 198 to go

We actually didn't enter the Chateau itself - the gardens were so awe inspiring - plus we'd already seen two other Chateaux beforehand.
How many Chateaux can you see in one day?

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Day 166/167 - the Chenonceau Farm - 199 to go

In my last post I featured the little rose covered cottage at the Chenonceau Chateau farm.
Here's a close up and also a scene of the beautifully manicured lawns nearby.
I found the farm to be a hidden treasure compared to the actual Chateau, as magnificent as it was.


Monday, June 11, 2012

Day 165 - A little Chenonceau - 201 to go

Hidden away from sight
a little cottage at Chenonceau
shed its own little light
to those in the know
(apologies for my poor poetry)

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Day 164 - Chateaux of the Loire Chenonceau - 202 to go

Chenonceau is one of those "have to see"Chateaux of the Loire". As you walk towards it, a feeling of opulence surrounds you.


The most popular photograph of Chenonceau would be of the arches across the river but I found the long passage above thos arches equally impressive. This is a place where balls and feasts were held and during WWII, the resistance would find a safe passage from the enemy.


 But most of all it was the kitchen that impressed my wife Sue.

Day 163 - Chateaux of the Loire - 203 to go

Usse

Day 162 - The things you see - 204 to go


Decoration on a building in Chinon

Day 161 - Chinon at Night - 205 to go

A night scene in Chinon 2008

Friday, June 8, 2012

Day 160 - Jean d'Arc - 206 to go

She lives on in Legend
The Maid of Orleans.
The statue of Jean d'Arc
overlooks the market place
in Chinon.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Day 159 - Vienne River - 207 to go

It's Spring on the Vienne
The old village of Chinon
overlooking the slow moving waters.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Day 158 - Boats on the Vienne - 208 to go

Boats on the Vienne River
At Chinon
on a spring afternoon.
2008

Monday, June 4, 2012

Days 153 to 157 - 209 to go

Bikes in France
Painted in the tricolours of France - seen at the Paris Metro

Cyclists in lycra - seen at Carcassonne

Remains of burnt out bike - seen at Oradour sur Glane

Gerard stands by his old bike in the Loire - Near Cher River

Bike hiding behind barrels at St Remy de Provence