An unplanned visit...

During our walk on Monday we passed by the front of the chateau in Preuilly-sur-Claise. It had been years since I had visited the 'Poterne Museum', housed in the former southern gatehouse, so I poked my head in only to be met with two ladies having a chat. They happened to be Madame le Maire and Madame Deberne who is president of the local archeological society, I was informed that the museum was not quite opened yet but after I said that was a shame, they invited the group to have a look - how kind!

The museum provides a rich local history and the evolution of this small rural town over the centuries.It holds a beautiful collection of stone capitals, memorabilia of local history, folk arts and traditions, and there is a room dedicated to lace and Touraine headdresses presented in scenes depicting the course of daily life.

It also includes a bread oven and small prison.

Sally got into the spirit of the place.

There is an impressive terrace to the side of the gate house with views over the town.

Monday's walk...around Preuilly-sur-Claise, in pictures.

Two brocantes, one day.

Yesterday we headed over to the brocant at Chambon and then we went on to the one at St.Remy-sur Creuse both were really just for the walk and a bit of socialising.

Here is what we did not buy in Chambon...

and didn't buy in St Remy-sur-Creuse.

What we did buy in Chambon was this item for the princely sum of 3 euros which now hangs behind the door in our courtyard.

 

What's in a name...

This is the white wine we bought from our picnic hosts 'Domain Paris Père et fils' over at Chançay last Monday. It is lovely and the label happens to have the name of two of our favourite places!

A new lunch experience...

 

Joined Angela and Dennis yesterday to check out the recently reopened restaurant down by the 'river beach' in La Roche-Posay - now called 'L'effet Mère'.

It has a modern interior and a wrap-round external terrace,part of which offers shade,with lovely outlook.

Missing our morning coffee...

Pauline and I had 'fasting' blood tests this morning at the surgery in LGP so missed our usual large coffee fixes. Having gone the statutory 12 hours without we immediately headed straight to Marielle's afterwards for our fix!

Summer planting at Descartes...

Pauline had a hairdresser appointment (something I don't need) last week in Descartes so I made another visit to the public gardens to see if the summer planting had begun, as when I led a walk there recently all the spring flowers had been lifted to make way for them.  

I was a wee bit disappointed on the last visit as quite a few of the walkers were not familiar with the gardens and I wanted to show off this beautiful garden at its best. I would encourage them to make a return visit as they have done their usual excellent job of planting out.