28 June to 5 July, 2018 - Orleans, Blois, Saint Cirq Lapopie, Cahors, numerous other villages - (France)
We left Paris in our little hire car - tiny boot stuffed to capacity. Lunch was at a roadside restaurant with a two courses and wine special. These sorts of deals are par for the course in these parts. Don't know how the truckers do it, day after day. Eating a hearty meal with a glass of wine tends to induce sleep rather than perk up. I appreciated having Jo in the passenger seat, giving me a poke every now and then to ensure I remained awake.
We reached Orleans and found a great little campsite a few kilometres out. It's hard to describe the enjoyment we get from setting up the tent and doing things a little basic for a few days. Don't worry, basic in this part of the world includes fine cheese, saucisson, and fine local reds.
Orleans Streetscape
A typical view in the old town area of Orleans.
Orleans Cathedral
Joan of Arc attended mass here in 1429, when she was liberating the city from a siege.
Cathedral Interior, Orleans
"I Don't Care - Talk to the Hand"
Stained glass window, Orleans Cathedral.
Orleans is on the Loire River, and we felt it would be remiss not to visit at least one Chateau. We chose to go to Blois (pronounced Bluwah, or blWAAH if you are deliberately trying to make fun of the French Language). It was only meant to be a short stop en-route to one or two more fine places in the region, but we ended up becoming so immersed in the place that we filled the day there before returning to our camp.
Spiral Staircase - Chateau de Blois
Avoiding toll roads does add some time to the drive, but also keeps things a little more interesting. Adding in some stops, our journey to the Lot River was quite a big day, arriving at our destination of Saint Cirq Lapopie by late afternoon. If you think it juvenile that we made fun of how to pronounce Blois, then the childishness continued for the next few days. We created numerous different ways of saying Saint Cirq Lapopie. For a start, there are so many syllables which can take the emphasis. Then, you can inflect up, down, or mix it round. And there is almost no limit to how high you can take the highest note. For example, start low on "Son", follow with a middle toned "Cirrk", and go wild with "lah-POHH-pee". That's kind-a how we ended up doing it most times.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Around 23 years ago, we came through Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. It was siesta, and the place was deserted. In spite of this, or maybe because of it, the town stayed with us. Jo vowed, many times, that we would return one day and stay here. And so, here we are, to fulfil that undertaking.
Population 200
Viewing the medieval centre of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, from the ruined castle at the top of the hill.
Sophie's
This is the house we rented in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Basement - Kitchen and garden (the town is incredibly sloped!). Ground floor - Entry, sitting area, and bathroom. First floor - Lounge, and great views from front and back. Attic - Bedroom and toilet, and more great views.
500 Year Old Fireplace
Sophie confided that the fireplace was a significant fitting that swayed their decision to buy this property. I don't blame them - I would easily be swayed by that single feature, too.
View out the Back
View from the house we rented - Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
A little under a week was enough time to do a few excursions, not spending too long in the car on any day. So many delightful towns and villages to explore.
Vignac
We climbed to the castle and clambered all over it. Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves with an ice cream in the square by the church. Excellent efforts deserve recognition.
Autoire
Autoire is different to so many of the other pretty medieval towns. Those that have tended to survive and retain their character are those with castles and forts, typically perched on hills and clifftops. Quaint Autoire is nestled in a valley.
Turrets in Autoire
Loubressac
Another village in the collection of the most beautiful villages in France.
Carrenac
Carrenac is very striking. The imposing castle, abbey, and cathedral dwarf all the other buildings in town.
Medieval Buildings, Carrenac
Through the Gate
View of the cathedral steps.
In a Hurry
Detail from the carvings above the cathedral entrance.
Fortified Medieval Bridge
This bridge in Cahors was one of the most important bridges over the Lot River. It is incredibly impressive, and significantly iconic.
Stained Glass, Cahors Cathedral
By the Road, Somewhere in France
We left Paris in our little hire car - tiny boot stuffed to capacity. Lunch was at a roadside restaurant with a two courses and wine special. These sorts of deals are par for the course in these parts. Don't know how the truckers do it, day after day. Eating a hearty meal with a glass of wine tends to induce sleep rather than perk up. I appreciated having Jo in the passenger seat, giving me a poke every now and then to ensure I remained awake.
We reached Orleans and found a great little campsite a few kilometres out. It's hard to describe the enjoyment we get from setting up the tent and doing things a little basic for a few days. Don't worry, basic in this part of the world includes fine cheese, saucisson, and fine local reds.
Orleans Streetscape
A typical view in the old town area of Orleans.
Orleans Cathedral
Joan of Arc attended mass here in 1429, when she was liberating the city from a siege.
Cathedral Interior, Orleans
"I Don't Care - Talk to the Hand"
Stained glass window, Orleans Cathedral.
Orleans is on the Loire River, and we felt it would be remiss not to visit at least one Chateau. We chose to go to Blois (pronounced Bluwah, or blWAAH if you are deliberately trying to make fun of the French Language). It was only meant to be a short stop en-route to one or two more fine places in the region, but we ended up becoming so immersed in the place that we filled the day there before returning to our camp.
Spiral Staircase - Chateau de Blois
Avoiding toll roads does add some time to the drive, but also keeps things a little more interesting. Adding in some stops, our journey to the Lot River was quite a big day, arriving at our destination of Saint Cirq Lapopie by late afternoon. If you think it juvenile that we made fun of how to pronounce Blois, then the childishness continued for the next few days. We created numerous different ways of saying Saint Cirq Lapopie. For a start, there are so many syllables which can take the emphasis. Then, you can inflect up, down, or mix it round. And there is almost no limit to how high you can take the highest note. For example, start low on "Son", follow with a middle toned "Cirrk", and go wild with "lah-POHH-pee". That's kind-a how we ended up doing it most times.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Around 23 years ago, we came through Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. It was siesta, and the place was deserted. In spite of this, or maybe because of it, the town stayed with us. Jo vowed, many times, that we would return one day and stay here. And so, here we are, to fulfil that undertaking.
Population 200
Viewing the medieval centre of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, from the ruined castle at the top of the hill.
Sophie's
This is the house we rented in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Basement - Kitchen and garden (the town is incredibly sloped!). Ground floor - Entry, sitting area, and bathroom. First floor - Lounge, and great views from front and back. Attic - Bedroom and toilet, and more great views.
500 Year Old Fireplace
Sophie confided that the fireplace was a significant fitting that swayed their decision to buy this property. I don't blame them - I would easily be swayed by that single feature, too.
View out the Back
View from the house we rented - Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
A little under a week was enough time to do a few excursions, not spending too long in the car on any day. So many delightful towns and villages to explore.
Vignac
We climbed to the castle and clambered all over it. Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves with an ice cream in the square by the church. Excellent efforts deserve recognition.
Autoire
Autoire is different to so many of the other pretty medieval towns. Those that have tended to survive and retain their character are those with castles and forts, typically perched on hills and clifftops. Quaint Autoire is nestled in a valley.
Turrets in Autoire
Loubressac
Another village in the collection of the most beautiful villages in France.
Carrenac
Carrenac is very striking. The imposing castle, abbey, and cathedral dwarf all the other buildings in town.
Medieval Buildings, Carrenac
Through the Gate
View of the cathedral steps.
In a Hurry
Detail from the carvings above the cathedral entrance.
Fortified Medieval Bridge
This bridge in Cahors was one of the most important bridges over the Lot River. It is incredibly impressive, and significantly iconic.
Stained Glass, Cahors Cathedral
By the Road, Somewhere in France
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