Our weather vane was made by the previous owner of our house, a locksmith by trade. It bears two symbols – a key for him and a feather for his wife, who was a secretary. And there is a cross indicating the cardinal points. Apparently, in mediaeval times, the landowners didn’t want the peasants to …
Monthly Archives: February 2014
Saint Pierre, Montlivault
Montlivault, 11 km from Blois, has a 12th century church that was recently restored. It also has a tall bell-tower with a portal from the late 15th century. During restoration, 15th century wall paintings were discovered which we haven’t visited yet. Montlivault, à 11 km de Blois possède une église du XIIe siècle nouvellement restaurée. …
My Whetstone Sheath – Mon coffin de bois
A couple of days ago, I posted a photo of a whetstone sheath that I took in a local château. I was describing it to Jean Michel when I suddenly realised we have our own whetstone sheath! Our previous owners very kindly left us quite a few museum pieces, including the sheath. However, I could …
Carpet of snow drops – Tapis de perce-neige
In January, I posted a photo of the first snowdrops. Now there is a whole carpet of them in our little wood. En janvier, j’avais posté une photo des premiers perce-neige. Maintenant, c’est un vrai tapis dans notre petit bois.
Whetstone sheath – Coffin de bois
The whetstone sheath, in this case made of wood, was filled with water or oil and a long stone called a “whetstone” placed inside which was then used to sharpen blades such as a scythe. The water or oil coating on the whetstone made it abrasive. The sheath was traditionally made out of cow’s horn …
Seafood Starters – Entrée de fruits de mer
Here is the seafood starter at one of our favourite restaurants in Blois, L’Embarcadère. Clockwise: fines de claire oysters, prawns, shrimp, crayfish, shallot sauce, mayonnaise, whelks, salted butter. Voici l’entrée de fruits de mer d’un de nos restaurants préférés à Blois, L’Embarcadère. Dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre: huîtres fines de claire, crevettes roses, …
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Delft tiles in Chaumont – Carreaux de Delft à Chaumont
There are some surprising details in these Delft tiles in Château de Chaumont. The second last row seems to depict a biblical story. Il y a des détails surprenants dans ces carreaux de Delft au château de Chaumont. L’avant dernière rangée semble raconter une histoire biblique.
Boar and Hounds – Sanglier et chiens
This beautifully preserved mosaic depicting a wild boar and two hounds is on the archway at the entrance to Château de Chaumont just next to the underground kitchens. Cette belle mosaïque représentant un sanglier et deux chiens de chasse se trouve sur l’architrave à l’entrée du château de Chaumont à côté des cuisines souterraines.
Fireplace porcupine in Chaumont – Porc épic de cheminée à Chaumont
Another porcupine symbolising Louis XII, cette time on the painted fireplace mantle in Château de Chaumont. Un autre porc-épic le symbole de Louis XII cette fois sur le manteau d’une cheminée peinte au château de Chaumont.
Mullion Window & Porcupine – Fenêtre à meneau & porc épic
This beautiful mullion window is on the south-east façade of Blois Castle. On the right is the porcupine which, you may remember is the symbol of King Louis XII, born in the castle in 1462. His motto was “Qui s’y frotte s’y pique” which is a play on words: se frotter means both literally to rub up against …
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