Lept into action early this morning, after usual croissant and coffee breakfast, and motored over to a nearby, family-run winery called Clos des Cordeliers. There we traipsed through 5km of vines and learned even more about how to grow and care for them (for 80-300 years). Talked ourselves into a couple of bottles of Saumur Champigny for our growing collection, then drove to Angers for lunch.
Home to a gloomy fortress made of dark stone and yet another cathedral, we intended to stop only for lunch, but wound up right at the castle. Since about the only reason to visit this fort is to see the 110-foot long tapestry about the Apocalypse, which neither of us cared much for, we took a couple of pictures and wandered off down the cobble-stone streets of the Old Town to the cathedral. Another Heritage site because of its rare poly-chrome carvings on the exterior, we thought it might be worth the effort. As it happened, they were covered up while experts mulled over how to restore them. Oh well, might as well peek inside. Superlative oak carvings festooned the place, rose windows, an ornate altar and a soaring nave. Unexpectedly interesting.
Struck off homeward and passed a promising looking chateau Montgeoffroy (named after Geoffrey de Chateaubriand) once owned by the Marquis Rozieres (also no relation). It is privately owned and still lived in so no pictures of the interior were allowed. After a desultory tour, the morning's 5K stroll caught up with Paul and we headed off home, passing the Rue La Croix near Saumure en route. Lacroix was Reggie's mom's maiden name.
Home of vineyard owners
Steam from nuclear cooling towers rising over the vines
Grapes and leaves on one side, warmed by the sun and stone, stems on the other, cool in the shade.
Main gate, Fortress of Angers
Some of the 17 bastions
Formal garden in once watery moat
High altar, Angers Cathedral
Carved oak pulpit
Chateau de Montgeoffroy
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