Thursday, August 17, 2017

17/08/2017 A visit to Chateau de la Mercerie and lunch at nearby Villebois-Lavalette.

Maximum temperature 27C, minimum 14C.   7 km/h NE wind with 24 km/h gusts.  Dry.
We visited with a group and had an English speaking Tour guide...

It has an interesting history, though not a long one compared with most French Chateaux. Building only commenced in 1939, due to family deaths and other problems, the building never got completely finished.  The local village agreed though that it should be restored and much of the work is being done by friends, locals and retired workmen for free.

As seen from the car park...

Walking up the hill...

Taken through one of the windows, this part is not on the tour.

Our fabulous and amusing tour guide.

The place was built by two brothers, One interested in architecture, and the other in art in the form of paintings and statues.  Most of the good artwork was sold off  when money ran out, (sigh) but there is still plenty that could not be moved and remains.  Certainly well worth a visit.

The ceiling of the above room.

The bedroom, but it seems the room was never actually used as such!

The story goes, this lady reported the two men who crept up behind her and made terrible suggestions, they were both hung for there sins!!
I have many more photos which I may put on tomorrow as I am hoping to get some gardening done and there will be little time for photos.

We then all went to Villebois-Lavalette for lunch, this is the covered market where the restaurant serves its meals.

A great meal with excellent company.

 Here is a taster of the dessert :-)

Looking up the hill from the market to the Church.
I blogged about the whole town much earlier Here and Here. It is a spectacular place.

14 comments:

  1. Oh, my goodness, Diane, such a beautiful place. I loved seeing photos; such a shame they couldn't complete their dream.

    Your photos are always so amazing. I love also seeing the church in the last photo.

    xoxo

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    1. It is a really sad story and far to long for me to relay it all here (if I could remember it all) but it is good that the local town has decided to restore the chateau.
      Villbois Lavalette is one France’s most beautiful towns.
      Have a good weekend Diane

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  2. These buildings are just so grand aren't they! There's so much to appreciate about history in Europe. Every building has a story to tell.

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    1. I was never interested in history until we moved to France. There is so much interesting history in Europe that I now cannot get enough of it! As you say, every building large or small seems to have a story to tell.
      Hope you have a good weekend Diane.

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  3. I love all the views and the architecture and design, Diane! The desserts are making me hungry! :)

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    1. It is a beautiful building Linda and so sad that it was never totally completed. Luckily for us they are now restoring it. It will be worth another visit in a year or two.
      The food was delicious :-) Take care Diane

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  4. Beautiful shots. I need to get out of the house and get a life so I can shoe pics like this too...haha

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    1. Thanks Pam, we are lucky in France so much history and pretty easy to take good photos. Diane

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  5. How lovely, that this place is being restored, by willing but un-paid hands.

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    1. It is brilliant, shows how much some people care. Diane

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  6. If those walls could speak the story would be even longer. Such an amazing structure even though not as old as some you share. The art is fantastic. Hope lunch was as good as the desert looks.

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    1. You are right, the story is long as it is without the talking walls !!! Diane

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  7. Hello Diane. The art work is fabulous, nothing as intricately beautiful is made today. I see my favourite dessert was served: Lemon Meringue Pie!

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    1. Yes and t was delicious as well :-) I agree buildings and art were at there best many years ago!! Cheers Diane

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