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A long aperitif in the garden with our hosts
followed by a long and enjoyable dinner. |
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The next day, Serge accompanies Jean and I on
a cycle through the oh so flat countryside. |
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As we enter Moncontour, Serge points out the
oldest building in the small town with its elaborate stone work. |
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A few miles on, and we look back to the
distant tower of Moncontour through the flying buttresses of the Abbaye
de Saint Jouin de Marnes. |
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The brochure describes it as: 'A Masterpiece
of Romanesque architecture, founded by the hermit JOVINUS in AD 342.'
Inside, the walls are clearly not all
vertical. And that's not my camera work!
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A nice quality of light to match the peace
and quiet of this ancient building. |
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The Abbey-Church was built in the 11th
century. Jean is in the one remaining cloister (constructed in 1476) where
there are a number of interesting sculptures from the abbey. |
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During the French revolution, it was
abandoned and left in ruins until the end of the 19th century, when the
department of fine arts embarked upon a complete restoration. |
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This sign tells you all about the history of
the Abbaye- in
French. |
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I'm always on the lookout for a nice bit of
natural lighting. |
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Encore une fois |
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Back to base past of lots of fat sunflowers |
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Not sure what was going on here, but I guess
it was a case of preparing the 'Game' for 'Le Chasse'. |
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Never too far away from food in France |
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On our way back, we called in at
Serge's daughters place. Sylvie is a very talented artiste, she
specialises in decorating antique artisan items, such as pots and pans.
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Talking about food, Serge takes off his
cycle helmet and gets straight into Barby mode. Deux Pigeons, je pense. |
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