I haven’t really disappeared but we have been in North America since my last post on 1st October, first in Canada (Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) where we had to spend 14 clear days before traveling to the US to see our new grandson in Boston. One of the recurring scenes throughout our visit …
Category Archives: Blogging
Cycling in Mantua – En vélo à Mantoue
Life has been somewhat eventful since I last posted in early August. First my grandson was born in Boston on 31st August. Then my daughter was married in Italy on 4th September. Now we are having 9 or 10 days holiday before making our way back home. Not only these two events but also the …
Valmer Gardens – Jardin de Valmer
This is the third time we’ve cycled to Valmer gardens but only the first time we’ve visited due to the restricted opening times. It was well worth the visit. The chateau burnt down in 1948 but Le Petit Valmer, built in 1647, still remains. C’est la troisième fois que nous sommes allés au jardin de …
We Saved the Church – Nous avons sauvé l’église
On Sunday, we went cycling, including a visit to Châteauroux and the neighboring town of Déols where the church has a 3rd century Gallo-Roman sarcophagus. When we entered the church it’s seemed foggy but we assumed it was incense. We found the door to the crypt with the sarcophagus but there was a phone number …
Continue reading “We Saved the Church – Nous avons sauvé l’église”
Guess which château – Connaissez-vous ce château?
Just one clue – it’s in the Loire Valley. Un seul indice: il se trouve dans la Vallée de la Loire
Under the Vines – Sous Les vignes
Château de Villandry is famous for its gardens, the interior of the castle being of little interest. This photo is taken from the shady terrace along one side. Le château de Villandry est connu pour ses jardins, le château ayant peu d’intérêt aujourd’hui . Cette photo est prise de la terrasse ombragée en face.
Postcard from Lalinde
What a wonderful spot to start our first holiday since September. The house we are renting is wonderful too! Lalinde is a small town on the Dordogne River 100 k east of Bordeaux and about 20 k from Bergerac. And we are right on the cycle path. Quel merveilleux endroit pour démarrer nos premières vacances …
Pavillon de l’octroi
In the middle of the 19th century, the Mayor of Blois decided to levy a tax on goods entering Blois, a commun practice at the time. A total of sixteen customs houses were built on the roads leading into Blois, two near the train station. The tax was abolished in 1920 and all but three …
Fontaine Saint Hilaire
Here we have a wash-house, a humpback bridge and a pilgrim’s fountain all in the one spot. But nary a picnic table in sight. Saint Hilaire cured the blind and looked after eye problems in general. Ici nous avons un lavoir, un pont à dos d’âne et une fontaine de pèlerin au même endroit. Mais …
Coffee at the Market – Café au marché
We have found a more cheerful backdrop for our mid morning coffee at the Saturday market in Blois. Even open air cafés seem a long way off. Nous avons trouvé un fond plus gai pour notre café de onze heures au marché de samedi à Blois. Même les cafés terrasses semblent bien loin encore.