This weeks randonnee club outing...not Abilly!

This Thursday's Le Grand-Pressigny Randonnee club outing started as usual with a rendezvous in the car park where we are told where we are going and organise a bit of car sharing. The British contingent heard we were off to nearby Abilly  but when following the lead car we headed off in the opposite direction.

That, as my French companion explained, was because we were off for a walk in the forest around the L'Abbeye to the east of the town. 

Thankfully it wasn't long until we had the shade of the trees to protect us from the very hot (30+) sun.

The tree to the right actually appears to be floating - it has been felled but has not fallen!

We have probably driven past the sign to ' the Abbey' a hundred times without actually noticing it.

It is now a very attractive private residence

The etang by the property.

This is the home of a sluice that connected the lake to a neighbouring one.

Looking back towards the abbey from the other side of the lake. 

Much as we enjoyed the walk (10km) and the company, it was good to get back to the car!

'Fete de la Musque' here in Southern Touraine...

I have always thought that the annual 'Fete de la Musique' here in France, where musicians are asked to provide free (plus paid-for) live music, should be extended to being a week long event - well this year, as the official date  (21st) falls in the middle of the week, it has been (unofficially) as it also incorporates the local villages celebrations of the 'Feu de St.Jean'. My reasoning is that with so many opportunities to take in events but within a limited time slot, you miss so much.

 

You can check out what's on in the Loire Valley here

and here

Brocantes this weekend 17th/18th June

Abilly Jam Festival

Brocantes / vide greniers Saturday 17th June

* Up to 50 stalls ** 50 to 100 stalls *** 100 to 200 stalls ****More than 200 stalls    ? Unknown

BETZ LE CHATEaU  Vide-greniers, Scene Ouverte, Producteurs, art **

  

LOCHE SUR INDROIS  Vide Grenier **

  

LUYNES  Vide Grenier **

PORTS SUR VIENNE  Braderie Festive **

Brocantes / vide greniers Sunday18th June

* Up to 50 stalls ** 50 to 100 stalls *** 100 to 200 stalls ****More than 200 stalls    ? Unknown

ABILLY  Fête de la Confiture - Brocante, Vide-greniers ***

AMBILLOU  Vide-greniers ***

ATHEE SUR CHER  Vide-greniers***

AZAY SUR CHER  Vide Greniers **

BEAUMONT EN VERON  Bric à Brac *

BOURGUEIL  Vide Grenier et Brocante ***

CHINON  Brocante Mensuelle **

HUISMES  Vide-greniers **

  

LA VILLE AUX DAMES  Vide-greniers ****

MONTBAZON  Brocante Vide Grenier ****

MONTRESOR  Vide-greniers ?

MONTS  Brocante Vide-greniers ***

  

SAINT PIERRE DES CORPS  Vide Greniers des Atlantes *****

Sparkling cave visit...Vouvray Foire aux vins

After the brocante  in Amboise on bank holiday Monday we headed over to 'Les caves de la Bonne-Dames' in Vouvray for a spot of wine-tasting.

Have to say that I was  impressed by the fact that it was advertised and signposted all the way from Amboise.

As there were a number of events over the holiday weekend it was a quiet affair but plenty of options to taste and as you only pay €3.00 for your glass great value for money.

Being the 'designated driver' Pauline was the main wine-taster for the day and did it with great gusto!

We picked up some sparkling and some still wines from suppliers new to us so well worth the visit.

Amboise - Brocante Vide-grenier de la Pentecôte

We did not brocante at the weekend as we had two changeovers to to do at our rental houses,one at 'Les Balcons' on Saturday and we started one at the 'Old Walnut Mill' on Sunday (guests arriving Monday),we left Sunday afternoon clear to visit the 'Garden Party' at Le Grand-Pressigny

We did however visit the very large annual Amboise brocante which is held on the Monday after Pentecost on the banks of the river Loire. As it was a national holiday it seemed that everyone had the same idea! Parking was a bit of a nightmare but we managed to find a spot up a back street that was still within walking distance.

It was a glorious day weather-wise and the trees on part of the river bank offered welcome shade.

There was the usual rich melange of 'treasure' on offer...

...even a boat with its own porthole!

...

a rather 'kitch' kitchen unit

this handy suit for the (k)nightshift

 and this item for the trained eye.

Going to a garden party...in Le Grand-Pressigny

Yesterday afternoon we went over to the 'Garden Party' organised by the 'Fet'art pressignois' which is set up behind the church in Le Grand-Pressigny.

The efforts of the organisers were much appreciated under a beautiful blue sky. We joined friends for lunch from the temporary restaurant set up for the occasion. Great spread for €10.0 which included wine and dessert .

Entertainment was provided by the talented Celtiqua /I Don't Know

Church on Sunday - St, Etienne, Lussault-sur-Loire

Today we visit the 18th century church of St. Etienne in Lussalt-sur-Loire which sits just west of Amboise. It is not the first church on the site as it replaced an earlier 15th century building. 

The church has a single vaulted nave leading to a semi-circular asp with an interesting fresco (or mural?).

It has a couple of 19th century stained glass windows.

Where's Joan?

Although the church is adorned with many statues,Joan is not featured.

The church currently has a  restoration programme in place and it would be nice to think it would include the removal of  annexed bus shelter!!

The corner of the church is marked with flood lines indicating the might of the river Loire.