Flower Power...

The flowerbeds of the best-kept public gardens in Tourain..in Descartes.

 

More social whirl..

This is last night's lovely setting for dinner with friends in Barrou.  They have worked really hard to turn a previously underused part of their property into a little haven.

 

A stroll through the best-kept gardens in Touraine

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the public gardens in Descartes are, in my view, the best maintained in all of Touraine. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how meticulously cared for they are and my most recent walk through them only reaffirmed that belief.

Despite the sweltering August heat, which has left many green spaces in the region parched and faded, the gardens in Descartes remain remarkably lush and vibrant.

 The lawns are a rich green, the flower beds full of colour and not a wilted petal in sight. The gardeners here deserve serious praise, their dedication and skill are evident in every corner.

These photos were taken just last week, during a quiet stroll while Pauline was at the hairdresser’s. I hadn’t planned to take so many pictures, but the scene was too beautiful not to capture. From perfectly shaped topiaries and rose-lined pathways to elegant pavilions and artfully pruned trees, the gardens are both restful and inspiring.

Whether you're local or just passing through the region, I can’t recommend a visit enough. Descartes may be a small town but its gardens are a shining example of how public spaces can be lovingly cared for and enjoyed.

Will show the individual colourful flower beds tomorrow.

Social whirl...

Friday night's hosts.

We truly feel blessed in our little corner of France, surrounded by a wonderful circle of friends. Many come to enjoy their holiday homes, while others are here full-time, creating a warm and vibrant community. This naturally leads to a lively social life, with plenty of wining and dining in some truly lovely spots. We feel fortunate to be able to reciprocate and host gatherings in our own little space, it’s always a pleasure to share good food, good wine, and great company.

Last night back home.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...in Descartes.

"I think I need to sit down therefore I'm seated".

 

This was the setting last night as we joined some French friends for dinner in Barrou, the setting only enhanced a lovely convivial evening, full of good company, delicious food, and warm ambiance.

That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet...

Slideshow of the roses here 

Lovely evening!

This was the sky at friend's last night as we enjoyed convivial company, good food and plenty of 'craic'.

 

wednesday for windows...nothing shady about these!

We love these windows at a friends house on the square in Barrou.

 

Sup, up and away!

We had our Irish friends over for dinner on Saturday so I arranged a balloon fly pass to heighten their enjoyment of the evening.

 

A weekend of brocantes...

This weekend was a  busy one for brocantes here in Southern Touraine. On Saturday we chose to visit the one near the lac at Preuilly-sur-Claise...treating it only as a social occasion and a walk as we really do not need to add to our own 'stuff'.

Often wonder if these dislays are an indication of an overindulged child?

On Sunday we walked over to Barrou (and back 8.5km) to check out their annual brocante and to meet up with old friends and neighbours...and we did, always good!

Mon banc dominical/My Sunday Bench...choices at the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire

Saturday on the streets of Southern Touraine.

 

Rue de la République in Preuilly-sur-Claise.

A good day out...at the Garden Festival,

Yesterday along with Mike and Liz we made our annual visit to the International Garden Festival at Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, We started the day with our usual bit of wine tasting followed by a good lunch at ‘Le Pied dans le plat'.

The festival delivered as usual with this year's theme being #Once upon a time in the garden.

Pauline was in charge of route planing with me sent out in front as scout and photographer. Our top three gardens were...

Number 15 'Le Jaedin des Songes where we loved the sculptures fashioned from white wire netting.

Number 13 'Hortus Pocus' with sculptures made from recycled material.

and Number14 'Le Jardin de l'Odyssee' where you look over the bow of a ship at a whale's tail fin. 

We did a 4.5 km around the 25 gardens but there was always plenty of opportunities for a wee rest.

Never been great at selfies!