It was just a sleep-over for the children as they were all packed up by 10 o'clock this morning. They all seemed to have had a great time. We moved on soon after that too, and drove back to the last village we passed through when we came to Chateauneuf, Germigny-des-Pres, as we wanted to visit the 'L'Oratoire' there. This is one of the earliest religious structures in France, built in 806 by Theodulphe, Bishop of Orleans. It was part of a Gallo-Roman villa complex at the time, but most of it was destroyed after only 100 years. This unusual chapel was enlarged over the centuries, but the most amazing feature that was added in C11 was a mosaic ceiling in the apse. We read that around 130,000 tiny squares of gilded glass and enamelled stones depict the Ark of the Covenant descending from heaven beneath the outstretched hands of God. Theodulphe particularly chose this image because he thought that images of God, Mary and the saints in churches encouraged idolatory. This ceiling only came to light in C19 when restorers uncovered layers of limewash, probably applied to preserve it in times of war. The photo of the inscription at the top of a pillar says that the oratory was dedicated on 3rd January. Another one gives the year - AD 806.
Then taking a scenic route we travelled west to Beaugency, missing out part of the River including Orleans - we have been there before. Another pleasant and spacious campsite by the river and we have a great view of the 26-arched bridge over to the town. After dinner we walked over to see the old town and the huge towers of a former chateau and the church and also a clock tower that was an archway into the town.
Thursday 21st August
The summer weather seems to be back to normal now, with beautiful sunshine all day. After an easy morning, during which we had a phone call from a very excited Emilie - she had found her special treasure box that we had hidden for her on the island of Herm, CI, we cycled into Beaugency, had lunch at Chez Henri (light lunch turning into main meal with huge portions) and then along a very pretty section of the river to Meung-sur-Loire.
 |
| Beaugency |
 |
| A clever geocache attached to a slice of tree |
 |
| Meung-sur-Loire |
 |
| Loire bridge at Beaugency |
Meung is another very attractive small town, of course with a chateau and a handy Salon de The! After the welcome cuppas, I said, shall we go and look in the church beside the chateau. There was a stone step down in the doorway and it was deeper than I thought - and turned over my left ankle - OUCH! I hopped to the nearest pew and thankfully, after a bit of a rest, I was able to ride my bike back home OK. But then it started to swell .... Later we heard from Adam, that he had found his treasure too. They sound as though they are having a lovely holiday.
Friday 22nd August
.... probably not walking too far today as my ankle is rather fat.... Going to move on to pastures new.
No comments:
Post a Comment