The Loire Valley and especially Blois
With all the recent rain, the Loire is almost over the bike path opposite the church of Saint Nicolas and the castle in Blois. Below, a little further along the banks of the river – but without the sun! Avec toute la pluie qu’on a eu récemment, la Loire recouvre presque la piste cyclable en face …
Continue reading “Almost on the bike path – Presque sur la piste cyclable”
I took this photo in the little town of Châtillon-sur-Loire during our recent cycling trip along the Loire east of Orleans. The shop’s closed but it was once run by a roofer/plumber. Ferblanterie comes from fer blanc or “white iron” which means “tin”. A ferblanterie can also be an ironmonger’s store. Zinguerie comes from “zinc” …
Continue reading “The All Rounder – L'homme de la situation”
After several days of endless rain, we were relieved to see the sun when we woke up this morning. After being soaked with rain for the last few days, the viburnum has perked up considerably.. Après des journées très pluvieuses, on était bien contente de trouver le soleil au réveil aujourd’hui. Les fleurs de viorne désormais …
This is another photo from our recent cycling trip along the Loire to the east of Orléans. The basilica at Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire started in the 11th century with a crypt and sanctuary and was finally completed in the about 1218. The porch tower, built in about 1020, is a symbol of the celestial Jerusalem in the …
This unusual barn in Châillon-sur-Loire, has become the symbol of the area known as the Berry, between Sologne and Sancerrois. Originally covered with thatch, these wattle and daub constructions usually date from the 15th century. They were used to house cattle and store grain. I took the photo when we were cycling along the Eurovelo bike route ten …
Continue reading “The Pyramidal Barn – La grange pyramidale”
It’s the tradition in France to give lily-of-the-valley on May 1st for good luck, especially to your loved ones. And if you find a sprig with 13 little bells, you’ll have extra luck. You can find it on practically every street corner, mainly sold by charities and similar associations. And because it’s Labour Day, it’s …