gardens at Versailles
Versailles itself is not to be missed. It is literally out of this world. It is hard to imagine that the monarchy reached this height of pomp and vainity. Their entire world centered on the divine right of the king, superior to everyone. I just can’t help wondering how the nobles put up with it. Well, the peasants certainly didn’t. When the queen (Marie Antoinette) builds a farm house so she can “play” peasant, you know something is wrong!
Our time in the gardens was rather limited, but the weather was not great even though it wasn’t raining. But you can still imagine how the nobles enjoyed walked among the gardens and impressive fountains.
Versailles is also a small town. After the visit we headed to the center to have lunch. We ordered Panini-type sandwiches at a little boulangerie and sat outside. It just started to drizzle as we finished our meal. Then off to McDonalds to use the restroom. Some things are universal!
Carolyn in the rain in front of Chartres
Chartres, certainly the most beautiful cathedrale in France, sits majestically on the hill. As you drive up to the town, it looms over the countryside. The area of Chartres has always been a spiritual place, even in pagan times. The cathedrale housed the relic of Mary’s veil. Relics were popular in medieval times as they brought worshipers and money to the town. Chartres burned to the ground in the 12th century and was rebuilt by the townspeople when they discovered that the veil survived the fire.
It is known for its stained glass windows which represent both the new and old testament, the unique color blue in Mary’s veil which has never been duplicated (the recipe for the color has been lost) and it’s labyrinth, carved on the floor of the cathedrale. This labyrinth was used by pilgrims and penitents as they walked it and said their prayers. Some day I will come when there are no chairs blocking it.
They are in the midst of renouvations here which will return the walls and columns to the original white stone. Most medieval churches look black and grey because of the accumulation of soot and dirt. Unfortunately, we were unable to see the window with Mary’s veil because of the renovation! Yes, I will have to come back.
So, that rain I was talking about earlier..as soon as we arrived at Chartres it downpoured. It is rather ironic because the great fire was started by lightning! But, the rain changed to a drizzle when we walked to the cathedral. Thank heaven for that. One stop I never miss is La Crypte, a small gift shop run by the nuns. Thanks to Sherry Walker discovering this little gem, I have been back time and time again. They have the most beautiful medals and cross pendants.
Back to the bus and on our route to Tours. The coach driver took a few wrong turns, tried to get down medieval –size streets and basically made us late to our dinner. No worries, we were all pretty tired and at least the coach is comfortable. But our tour director is now taking charge of printing the directions to each town!
Chartres Cathedral
Tonight is the fete de la musique! This is a yearly festival of music throughout France. We had dinner close to our hotel and not far from the main section of Tours. Hayley said this was the best dinner yet. It was fish and potatoes cooked in foil. Quite tasty! After that bus fiasco, adults shared a bottle of wine. That was a splendid idea.
I wanted to take the group to the Place Plumereau, the old section of Tours. Here are the half-timbered houses and narrow streets of the middle ages. During this festival the streets are crazy with music and people. It was fun to be a part of this. Because this is a university town, there are a lot of young people around. I think the girls were a little put-off with all the smoking, but you just have to expect that in France. Once at the Place Plumereau we all ordered crepes “à emporter” – carry-out. This was really a cute little creperie. I think I got Linda hooked on the crepe caramel au beurre sale.
Crepes!
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