Sunday, 10 November 2013

Church on Sunday...Romorantin Lanthenay

Today our 'church on Sunday' is the parish church of Saint Etienne in the Sologne town of Romorantin Lanthenay in Loir-et-Cher.


 The church of today is the result of renovation work throughout its history from its origins in the 12th century right up to the last major works in the 19th century. It had been damaged both during the 'Hundred years war' and the 'wars of religion'.


The façade is uninspiring with the only real detail being in the three statues set high up in their alcoves.


Inside is rather more pleasing to the eye with the four pillars of the transept being part of the original 12th century church. It is brought right up to date with a delicate iluminated glass altar


There is a central nave with two side aisles.








Most of the original stained glass was destroyed during the looting of the 16th century to be replaced by 'modern' examples over the years.



It has many fine features like the spiralling pulpit...



...and organ loft staircase.



Glass is featured again in the rather imposing baptismal font.



 There is no Joan...but a rather fetching statue of Saint Michael


 The lack of any reference to Joan seemed a little odd considering the church's location!
Now there was a side chapel 'under wraps' so maybe she was under there having a facelift!







Saturday, 9 November 2013

Live music...


Another great 'gig' by the 'Fortune Tellers' at 'Cafe de la Paix ' in Descsrtes last night - tribute to the Rolling Stones- which the locals loved! I love the way the French describe the lead singer, Bertrand Joannot, as 'un chanteur jaggerrien' They have been playing together for 30 years - and it shows - they are very 'tight' and they still seem to enjoy what they do... but they still can't get their tongues around 'thumb'!

Sunday, 3 November 2013

Church on Sunday...Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne


The church of Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne on the banks of the river Vienne near its confluence with the Loire was closed when we pulled up but there was a sign on the door saying the key was available from the restaurant next door. I got the distinct feeling that he did not enjoy the responsibility of 'key-holder'.


You enter the church via a door under a side porch,which was added in the 16th century, which takes you first, into the 11th century nave and then into the 12th century choir. There is a rather elaborate altar...





...with some fine detail








There are also two equally elaborate side altars.  




There are some nice examples of stained glass windows.





 The 11th century nave has a wooden barrelled ceiling


As you look back down the nave you cane see the evidence of earlier doorways and modifications.






                   Where's Joan...she's here a  now very familiar pose. 



Externally the stonework has a story to tell...of a different time.




Friday, 1 November 2013

Calendar...November

November



The river Creuse at Barrou.



October


Pumpkins in garden in Le Grand Pressigny 


September


Bridge at Descartes

August

Sunflowers in a field near Chinon

July

Taken between Barrou and Le Grand Pressigny

June


Canoes near the bridge at Angle sur l'Anglin



May


Taken between Lesigny and La Roche Posay.


April


Taken up behind the nearby village of Chambon.


March


Taken in Colin & Elizabeth's garden Braye -Sous-Faye



February


Taken from the chateau in Le grand Pressigny



January


Leaving Barrou for Le Grand Pressigny.