The Loire Valley and especially Blois
The Henri II style or Renaissance Revival, which was popular between 1850 and the early 20th century, was inspired by the furniture and decor of the second half of the 16th century during the reign of Henri II. Several original pieces are on display in Blois Royal Castle. Leather chairs in good condition are hard …
Continue reading “Henri II leather chair – Chaise en cuir Henri II”
Another sundial, this time in Rue Basse des Grouets. the English translation of the Latin motto is “Time goes slowly for the idle, but quickly for the industrious”. An autre cadran solaire, cette fois-ci dans la rue Basse des Grouets: La traduction de la devise en latin est : “L’heure coule lentement pour les paresseux, …
Continue reading “Sundial in Les Grouets – Cadran solaire aux Grouets”
The lovely little 12th century church of Saint Etienne is just opposite the entrance to Château de Cheverny. It’s surrounded by a timber gallery forming a porch where you can see the coat of arms of the Hurault family who owns the château. La jolie petite église de Saint-Étienne se trouve en face de l’entrée du …
We found these lovely bags of bulk coffee at Blois market. You can have a cup to taste as well. Nous avons trouvé ces jolis sacs de café en vrac sur le marché de Blois. En plus, on peut déguster sur place.
This analemmatic sundial is on the wall of the former bishop’s palace, now the town hall. It is painted on two right-angled walls and has a large disc with a centre hole. There are two mottos. On the right: DUM TEMPUS HABEMUS OPEREMUR BONUM – While we have the time, let us do good; and on the …
Continue reading “The Cadran solaire de l'évêché – The Bishop's Sundial”
Les Grouets where we live in Blois has its own pâtisserie called a Grouëtine invented by pâtissier Stéphane Ribéro who used to have a shop in Rue Basse des Grouets. Now he is at 2 rue des Lions in Villebarou across the river. It is as delicious as it looks! La Grouëtine a été inventée …
After an extraordinary summer, a rainy autumn has begun with 40 millimeters of rain in a single day. Après un très bel été, c’est un automne pluvieux qui démarre avec 40 millimètres de précipitation en une seule journée.
A well-lit road with lots of vegetation to go home after a lovely dinner with our neighbours. Une route végétale bien éclairée pour rentrer chez nous après un repas délicieux chez nos voisins
There are several varieties of grape in the Loire Valley: cot, chenin blanc, cabernet franc, sauvignon blanc, romorantin and gamay. We have a not very successful gamay vine in front of our house. Il y a plusieurs cépages dans la vallée de la Loire: cot, chenin blanc, cabernet franc, sauvignon blanc, romorantin et gamay. Nous …
This amusing roof above the front gate is in the little village of Vallières les Grandes that we visited when cycling. Ce toit amusant au dessus du portail du n° 5 se trouve dans le petit village de Vallières les Grandes que nous avons visité en vélo. If you enjoyed reading this, don’t forget to …