On the streets of Touraine...Blois.

 

Rue des 3 Clefs in Blois,

How do you like your eggs...

For lunch on our visit to Blois we choose  the 'Au Bouchon Lyoness' on Rue des Violettes just behind the chateau. It proved to be a good choice with a well priced hearty menu with win by the carafe (which we saw being poured from a bottle). For our starters Mike and I choose poached eggs in Beauglais something neither of us had tried before ...yummy!

Welcome to the house of fun?... 'La Maison de la Magie'

As part of our avoiding the rain on our outing on Tuesday to Blois, after our visit to the chateau we decided to check out the 'La Maison de la Magie' - something we had only done from the outside on previous visits.

On being led around the back of the building to a rather unimpressive entrance I was not expecting a 'magical' experience.

Inside did prove disappointing although the magic show in the theatre was well done, if a little tame. The school party certainly enjoyed the experience as well as some of the 'illusions' they could try out. A visit for younger children I think...adults only should just take in the free dragon display externally. 

Something for the weekend...

...full programme here

Head to Blois this weekend?

This weekend Blois hosts its 'Mix Terres' festival...may be worth a visit read more here...

Church on Sunday...St. Vincent de Paul Church in Blois

Unlike the neighbouring cathedral, the church of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Blois is anything but stark. From its flamboyant exterior to its richly decorated interior it is perhaps a result of the Catholic Church's 'Counter- reformation' of the 17th century.  

The church elaborate altarpiece was created in 1670 by scultor and wood carver Gaspard Imbert.

The main centrepiece of the altar contains the"apparition of the Virgin"which replaced a painting which was probably stolen during the Revolution. Not sure how much damage was done but it seems to have survived relatively intact. The church, the former chapel of a Jesuit college  in the city was abandoned during the Revolution. After restoration work in the early part of the the 19th century the chapel became a parish church in 1847 under the patronage of Saint Vincent de Paul.

The domed ceiling is a joy.

The pulpit

The organ

Most of the stained glass windows were blown out during WWII with the window on the left being one of the few remaining originals - the others being replaced by contemporary designs

The chapel of 'Our Lady of Sorrow'

Side chapel dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul.

A rare dedication to one of my favourite saints - St.Gerard Majella... 

plus a very non-military version of 'our Joan' 

Well worth a visit.

Stepping out in Blois...

A recent re-visit to the city of Blois reminded us of a couple of things...

...it has a lot of steps...

and is well worth another (and another) visit.