The Loire Valley and especially Blois
This is another detail from Hôtel Grouïn in Tours. Fruit bowls and cornucopia (horn of plenty) are symbols of prosperity, evoking the Golden Age when the earth provided human beings with nourishment in abundance. Pomegranates symbolise peace, apples eternity and grapes wine. Voici un autre détail de l’Hôtel Grouïn à Tours. Les coupes de fruit et …
Continue reading “Fruit Bowls and Cornucopia – Coupes de fruits et cornes d'abondance”
Yesterday I posted a photo of the Renaissance façade of Hôtel de Grouïn in Tours. Here is a close-up of the acanthus ornaments that decorate the façade. The acanthus with its large, luxuriant leaves, is one of the most common plant forms to make foliage ornament and decoration. In about 1500, it replaced the ornamental cabbage leaves that were highly appreciated …
The last time we were in Tours, this beautiful Renaissance façade, sculpted in 1510, was undergoing restauration. I love the fact that the signs on the gate in front explain the symbolism of the sculptures so I’m going to post details in several posts to share it with you. La dernière fois que nous étions à …
Continue reading “A Renaissance Façade in Tours – Une façade renaissance à Tours”
We nearly missed this château in Saint Aignan when we debated whether or not we’d ride up the hill. I’m glad we made the effort. It is a private home but visitors can wander freely in the courtyard. During the Renaissance, the original 9th century castle became the home of the Ducs de Beauvilliers. Nous …
Continue reading “Saint Aignan Château – Château Saint-Aignan”
Saint Nicolas church is probably the most distinctive building in Blois – more than the château which does not stand out as well. The area on the bottom right is part of the Saturday market. L’église de Saint Nicolas est probablement la construction la plus distinctive à Blois, bien plus que le château qui ne …
Continue reading “Saint Nicolas from the rooftops – Saint Nicolas depuis les toits”
I like the contrast between the sobriety of the door on the left and the ornateness of the one on the right. They are on the right of the large square in front of Blois castle. J’aime bien le contraste entre la sobriété de la porte de gauche et le décor orné de celle de …
Continue reading “Two Renaissance doors – Deux portes renaissance”
This photo is taken looking up at Blois Castle and Foix Tower, a vestige of the 13th century fortifications. To the left is the Gaston d’Orléans wing completed in 1638. The flying buttress I posted earlier in the week was just behind me. Cette photo est prise en regardant vers le château de Blois et …
Continue reading “The Corner of the Ages – L'angle des époques”
The flying buttress at the end of the staircase is part of Saint Nicolas that I have already photographed several times. L’arc-boutant au bout de l’escalier fait partie de l’église de Saint Nicolas que j’ai déjà photographiée plusieurs fois.
Last year, we cycled past this teepee (see photo below) and wondered what it was. I was very sad to go past it again recently and see that it’s roof is in the process of caving in.. L’année dernière nous avons vu ce tipi en vélo (voir photo ci-dessous) et je me demandais ce que …
It’s without doubt the most original decoration I’ve seen on a traditional Sologne well so far! C’est sans doute le décor le plus original que j’ai vu sur un puits traditionnel solognot jusque-là !