A view to a king...

If you visit 'Ethni-Citi' it is worth finding your way to the Romanesque church at the top of the cliffs, on foot or by car, then, nearby, to seek out the 'Tour de Gannes'  the only remains of  four towers of the feudal castle built in 1189 by Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine who ruled over the Duchy of Aquitaine.

Not a lot remains but it is a very important piece of the area's history.

I don't know why but I find it fascinating to follow in the footsteps of Richard, whether it be standing here taking in the views, views that were so important to the protection of his kingdom, or at the bottom of the keep at Loches walking in the gardens where he once walked. 

Our area here in the Creuse Valley is so rich in history both French and English, to think as far back as the twelfth century the river was an important boundary and then again during WW2, dividing free France and occupied France, as I've said... fascinating.

A walk around...'Ethniciti'

As I have said before, one of the advantages of living here wthin the Southern Touraine area of the Loire Valley is our proximity to the neighbouring department of the Vienne and all its little treasures. One of these we tend to take new visitors to the area to, is only 15 minutes away from us here in Barrou.

'Ethni-Citi' -  is a collection of troglodyte dwellings dug into the hillside overlooking the river Creuse at St. Remy-sur-Creuse. In the middle ages these caves were the refuge for local people who were caught in the middle of the conflict between Richard the Lionheart who had a small fortress built on top of the cliffs and his French enemies.
Later weavers moved in as they provided a good place to work with hemp due to the presence of the small streams within the caves.More recently, the site again became a place of refuge,this time by the French Resistance during the WW2.

                        You park your car in the parking area below and walk up the path to the caves.

Today, some of caves are still used as homes or for storage. 

You can view part of the caves free of charge...

...including outdoor Chapel of Our Ladies of Lourdes 

There is a charge of 6.50 euros to view 'Ethni-Citi' 'proper', which consists of 7 small sites each with a theme.

Each room is numbered and accompanied by a small introductory text and very easy to follow. 

 Probably the most interesting part of the caves - the ones on the second level where the people would retreat to if under attack,are inaccessible.

You can get a good view of these by continuing to walk past the official site along the path in front of the caves.

The site also gives good views along the valley of the river Creuse.

This is a pleasant little excursion that to our surprise many local people have not taken advantage of - add in lunch or dinner at the local restaurant,a stop at La Guerche to photograph the chateau from the bridge and you have the makings of a good day out

Church on Sunday... Saint Branchs

L'église Saint-Bénigne in Saint Branchs is one of those churches that is really unimposing from the outside but once through its doors you get a pleasant surprise...   

...who would have thought?

The current church was rebuilt in the late 19th century on the site of its 12th century predecessor .

It has an interesting gilded wooden altar from the 18th century...

...and an impressive main alter.

Its 'stations of the cross' are all impressive individual pieces of work.

Where's Joan...

The rear of the church is a bit more interesting than the front.

With this additional modern feature sympathetically (?) tagged on  - it's a telephone booth with bus-stop attached!!

Sometimes you just have to stop...

When visiting Chateau de Cande you cannot help but notice the magnificent railway viaduct over the river Indre.You drive beside and under it on your way  -I just had to stop -stunning!

The viaduct dates from 1849, it is 752 m long, is 20m high and has 59 arches. Can you imagine the cost of having something like this built today!

As I said before -quite stunning!

Beards and brocantes...

Following on from yesterday's fluffy stuff I was tickled by the French name for candy-floss,spotted for sale at Sunday's brocante at Ligueil. It's 'Barbe a Papa' -grandpa's beard..

 It was a lovely sunny day and a pleasant change as the last few brocantes we have attended have been spoiled by bad weather. 

Rather liked this drum kit - just the thing for keeping in with the neighbours...and the innovative  use of the tree branch!

Footnote on beards...

You probably knew this already but just in case...the only member of  '70's rockers ZZ Top without the outrageous beard was called Frank Beard!