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.

Two sisters / two Georges...

Yesterday we headed up to Loches with Eileen where we did one of our favourite walks over to Beaulieu-lès-Loches and back then followed this up with lunch at 'Le George', a good day out.

Quinze août festivities...2023 part I

 

On Tuesday morning we dragged Eileen along for our annual 'Quinze août'  brocante visit to Lesigny with Mike and Liz where there was the usual diverse range of 'stuff' on display. 

The classic cars were as popular as ever and we thought Colin & Elizabeth had popped back to be involved but it was just a doppelganger.

A visit to Saint-Savin

Mike and Liz joined us on Monday for a visit to Saint-Savin as it was somewhere new for Eileen to check out. 

You cannot visit the town without checking out the stunning world heritage frescoes in the grand abbey church.

  

The town was having a 'Blues festival' which had been on from Friday. The last day was offering 3 bands from 1.00pm with lunch of a local sausage and café gourmand for 35 euros / head.

We decided not to take up the offer but instead listened to the street band with lunch on the square, where the band also entertained us. 

Sisters...

Picked Eileen up yesterday from Poitiers - she's settling in nicely!

We have tried to emulate her lovely gesture of hanging a little bit of Touraine in our room by giving her a painting of the Ailsa Craig which she can see from Ayr beach.

Chateau d'Oiron - another revisit...

 

Having visited most of our beautiful region's major chateau we took Eileen over to the lesser known Chateau d'Oiron on Wednesday, which for first time visitors, can be an interesting experience.

We have been here many times and are always hopeful that there will be something new and quirky for us to see and are rarely disappointed. 

We do however enjoy seeing the more familiar exhibits yet again.