20 June 2012

TURRETS, GARGOYLES AND LITTLE FLUFFY CLOUDS

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We spotted this château in a leaflet in the tourist office in the village and we had never heard of it before.  So on a beautiful sunny afternoon, off we went in search of it - Fougères-sur-Bièvres.

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The outside is all windows, turrets, gargoyles and neat gardens.  A lovely old bell and clock sit over the entrance.  The bell chimed every half an hour while we were there.

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Inside the courtyard the château is nothing short of delightful – multitudinous windows and archways on different levels, inviting the visitor to dive in and see what’s inside.

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Anyone who enjoys taking photographs would love it here – everywhere you look there are little architectural features and angles just calling out to have their picture taken.

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In the garden there is one of these.  I don’t know what you call it but it was fun to sit inside.

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From the garden we could see this.  I have no idea whose house it is but I wouldn’t mind a snoop around it.

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In the village there is a lovely church to look around, a little park to sit in and have a picnic, and a bar serving snacks and drinks.

The sun shone brightly,  little clouds floated by and it was exactly the right temperature for a spot of sightseeing.  A perfect afternoon and I shall tell you all about the inside of the château in the next post.  It was wonderful, in a very French way !!

26 comments:

  1. Fougères is great. We were there in 2009 and I especially liked the way the castle sits in the centre of the village, at the same level as the rest of the village; not towering over it. I have almost the same photos as you have! It's a photographers paradise indeed. Martine

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    1. Martine, you're right, I couldn't put my finger on what was so different about it - not on a hill and in the middle of the village.

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  2. Wow. What a wonderful tour you have provided for us. Thanks. The places are awesome.

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    1. Bear, awesome, magnificent, and beautiful.

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  3. Thanks for the great tour. Beautiful photos. I love the giant bird cage. I'd be tempted to sing "She's Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage"... well, not just tempted.

    Château du Rivau was on the tip of my tongue (I lie). Isn't that next to the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas?

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    1. Mitchell, I have only been to Las Vegas once so I can't say !!

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    1. John, you're right, I wonder if it has been used as one.

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  5. I read where Chateau du Rivau was where Joan of Arc gathered her horses before the siege of Orleans.

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    1. Leon, I do pictures and ambience, only a little history. I blame it on my old history teacher, Miss Northrop, for not inspiring me - I will check up on it !!

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  6. Your explorations are always a joy to read about -- your photographs are superb -- it looks like a place well worth the visit and I'm looking forward to the next instalment!

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    1. Broad, thanks, you will be equally delighted, I'm sure.

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  7. What a lovely place! I love roofs all muddled up like that.

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    1. Pauline, you and Tim should go there, preferably midweek when it's quiet, you would love it I'm sure.

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  8. Super pics of a gorgeous building, Jean. The blue sky is a welcome bonus on this wet, grey day in Normandy....

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  9. I just love that Château it is gorgeous. I love the architectural features. Thanks so much for taking us along on your tour, one day maybe we will see it for ourselves :) Take care Diane

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    1. Diane, I will add it to your list of things you must see when you're next in the area !!

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  10. What a super place and great photographs!! Looking forward to the inside shots :-)

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  11. The last time I was at Fougères-sur-Bièvre, that bird cage was home to several exotic varieties of chickens.

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    1. Ken, that doesn't surprise me - fancy chickens are very popular and you have to keep them somewhere so why not somewhere rather fancy !!

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  12. I am no expert, but it all does call out "French" in my opinion!

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  13. I so wish I could see these in reality. Loved all the windows and turrets and the little cafe is just perfect for enjoying a coffee or glass of wine. Deeeply jealous. :)

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