medieval and magical

                                                                                                                                           May/June 2011

Some of the several  villages in the area we explored while house sitting

Chinon...... is a gorgeous town built on several layers , nestled by the river Vienne and chalk cliffs where the fortresse royale castle was built.

The cobbled streets are peppered with half timbered medieval house to die for, and window boxes full of coloured geraniums.

The site was inhabited in the 7th century B.C. during the iron age.

Caves Plouzeau, a huge underground wine cellar aaaaaaah

The entrance to the wine cellar

There is a statue of Joan of Arc in the square who in 1429 was to suppose to have drilled there. It is now a square for fairs and cattle markets.
They make good pizza and beer!!!!!!

Chauvigny......... another charming town also on the banks of the river Vienne. The town is overlooked by a hill where five ruined castles run along it's ridge. It is the only town of it's kind in Europe.

The medieval town is an inspiration for many artisans who come to paint the town. The  town is full of cafes, boutique shops, weird and the wonderful, shuttered homes, potted geraniums hollyhocks bursting out of every crack along the streets..... I'm in love, my next home is going to have shutters and window boxes...... potted geraniums and hollyhocks!!!!!

                                             

We ventured to  Abbaye de Fontgombault. It is run by 60 Benedictine monks and it is primarily devoted to meditation. It was built on the river Creuse and was founded in 1091. We went to hear the vespers being sang by the monks. It was truly amazing !!!!!!