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.
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.
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.
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.
In the garden there is one of these. I don’t know what you call it but it was fun to sit inside.
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 !!
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
ReplyDeleteMartine, 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.
DeleteWow. What a wonderful tour you have provided for us. Thanks. The places are awesome.
ReplyDeleteBear, awesome, magnificent, and beautiful.
DeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteChâteau du Rivau was on the tip of my tongue (I lie). Isn't that next to the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas?
Mitchell, I have only been to Las Vegas once so I can't say !!
Deleteit looks like a film set!!!!
ReplyDeleteJohn, you're right, I wonder if it has been used as one.
DeleteI read where Chateau du Rivau was where Joan of Arc gathered her horses before the siege of Orleans.
ReplyDeleteLeon, 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 !!
DeleteYour 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!
ReplyDeleteBroad, thanks, you will be equally delighted, I'm sure.
DeleteWhat a lovely place! I love roofs all muddled up like that.
ReplyDeletePauline, you and Tim should go there, preferably midweek when it's quiet, you would love it I'm sure.
DeleteSuper pics of a gorgeous building, Jean. The blue sky is a welcome bonus on this wet, grey day in Normandy....
ReplyDeletePerpetua, I know just what you mean.
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteDiane, I will add it to your list of things you must see when you're next in the area !!
DeleteWhat a super place and great photographs!! Looking forward to the inside shots :-)
ReplyDeleteN&A, the inside is gorgeous too.
DeleteThe last time I was at Fougères-sur-Bièvre, that bird cage was home to several exotic varieties of chickens.
ReplyDeleteKen, that doesn't surprise me - fancy chickens are very popular and you have to keep them somewhere so why not somewhere rather fancy !!
DeleteI am no expert, but it all does call out "French" in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteSpo, absolutely !!
DeleteI 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. :)
ReplyDeletePhil, it was a magical place.
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