Wet through but all in a good cause.

We joined friends yesterday for the 'October Rose' walk in Le Grand-Pressigny to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for Cancer Research. The forecast had indicated it would be cloudy and when we arrived the sky did not appear too threatning.

Unfortunately as people gathered for the 10 o'clock departure for the 6km walk it started to rain lightly...before becoming a little heavier and accompanying us for the whole walk!

As we were going around we were reminded of the good cause we were walking for.

Our group was fairly well spread out with the leaders well into the distance here.

I was impressed by how these participants had adapted their free pink carrier bags as rainwear.

Would have to say we were all happy to go through the finish arch and be met by the enthusiastic greeters but all agreed it was for a good cause.

We had a wee bit of drama on the last stretch of the walk when a large artic had to negotiate the diversion around the village with corners that proved quite a challenge. With the help of a few of the walkers the driver did amazingly well and avoided any damage by what looked like only inches! 

Audio guided tour of Orleans : Part II : Strolling Orléans’ medieval heart.

After our visit to the cathedral,we strolled down to nearby Rue Pothier, where we were led to the 'Salle des Thèses' all that remains of Orléans first university. It is one of the oldest (15th century) surviving Gothic civil monuments from the Middle Ages in the whole of France.It was frequented by the Reformer John Calvin and the humanists Erasmus and Rabelais.

At the bottom of the street,on Rue de Bourgogne, you will find the 'Hôtel de préfecture du Loiret' the administrative headquarters for both the Loiret department and the Centre-Val-de-Loire region. The building was formerly part of Notre-Dame de Bonne-Nouvelle Abbey complex. 

These streets capture the city’s layered past, from Roman origins to lively present-day charm. Rue de Bourgogne, Rue de la Poterne, and Rue de la Charpenterie form a compact network of narrow lanes, half-timbered façades, and everyday energy that still feels intimately tied to the Loire.Rue de Bourgogne is a very long street that runs east to west through Orléans.

This street was the medieval route toward Burgundy and is the way Joan of Arc entered the city in 1429. You pass the narrow Rue du Bœuf Sainte-Croix with a look back at the cathedral before arriving at Rue de la Poterne.

This street offers a quieter, more intimate scale. A classic medieval side street, it preserves fine examples of timber-framed architecture, including a late-14th-century house at No. 25 and others (such as Nos. 16 and 28) displaying distinctive patterns, diamond lattices and grid work. Its name evokes the old Port de la Poterne, once a busy riverside landing for goods arriving by boat. The street sits at the meeting point of commercial activity to the north and more artisan-oriented zones toward the river.

Rue de la Charpenterie continues the story of craft and continuity. Named for the carpenters and joiners and masons who once lived and worked here. Notable half-timbered façades survive, among them the colorful 15th-century examples around Nos. 64–66 and finer stone details elsewhere.

The house at number 32 dates from 1501. The oak timber-framed facade consists of St. Andrew's cross panels and a brick infill. The ground floor was modified in the 18th century and formerly housed a shop. You can see Pauline admiring it in the photo above,while listening to the audio presentation. 

Together these streets form the living core of Orléans’ old quarter. Their narrow proportions, surviving timber frames and mix of daily commerce and quiet corners make them ideal for slow exploration on foot. We walked them in the guides sequence moving easily between Roman alignment, medieval craftsmanship and the contemporary feel of a city still shaped by its river, where we were heading to next.

Orleans...getting reacquainted.

Like on our visit to Chambord where we had driven through rain right until we arrived at the parking we arrived in Orleans in the rain but after changing to go out and an aperitif on our balcony watching the heavy rain it stopped and the sky cleared for our walk into the city centre.

The evening sun threw a warm glow onto Rue Jeanne d'Arc leading to the cathedral.

Our destination was Pl. du Martroi and a restaurant for dinner. 

There was plenty of options, we chose 'Le Bistrot' where Pauline and Eileen chose an overgenerous brochette.

After dinner we wandered around the square,which had taken on its nighttime dressing, to suss out other options for our next visit.

We found what looked like a good spot for lunch and another for dinner. Tomorrow would not be all about eating however as we had booked a self guided walking tour of the city.

Sisters at Chambord...

Yesterday we stopped off at Chateau Chambord on our way to Orleans, a return visit for Pauline me and a first visit for Eileen who was, not unexpectedly, wowed by its sheer scale.

I even got them to do the double helix staircase which features two distinct spirals that intertwine without ever meeting, allowing them both to climb at the same time without crossing paths. Legend has it that it was designed by Leonardo da Vinci. 

Here they are up on my favourite part of the chateau - the roof with its wonderful views and chimneys.

Quinze août part II...

Yesterday, Angela and Dennis reinstated the 'Quinze août' festivities at their home in Mairé, albeit on a smaller scale than previous years. As ever they were very generous hosts and the food contributions from friends made for an excellent afternoon/evening of music, food and friendship.  

David and Geoff provided the music for the afternoon to an appreciative  audience consisting of English, Scots, Irish, Welsh and Americans - very international !