We have a long day of driving ahead of us today from Chinon to Sarlat-la-Caneda which is about five hours. Our first stop was Chateau du Rivau where Joan of Arc obtained her war horses in 1429.
And look who was there to greet me on the draw-bridge! Mr. B !
Can you believe how much wood they must of used to keep the chateau warm? This one holds an entire tree!
My very favorite statue of Joan of Arc lives here. I am not sure who designed it but I so love the peaceful look on her face.
As we entered the courtyard there was an all white peacock who couldn't get enough of his own reflection while looking into a window. He was so impressed with what he saw that he never put his plumage down for a second. I have to say that he was rather impressive!
Drove through Richelieu which was a very cute town and square. Our next stop was Saint-Savin for lunch and a peek at the Abbaye frescos.
When I saw this view of the town I asked Mr. B to please turn around so I could take a photograph. He is so incredibly patient with me and my camera! Doesn't it look like a painting???
We had to find a place for lunch before 2 pm when most restaurants stop serving food. We found a comfortable place outside in the square just across from the Abbaye.
View of the church steeple from inside the Abbey through the old wavy glass window.
The Abbey of Saint-Savin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Abbey was founded in the early 800's by Charlemagne to house the bodies of two martyrs from the fifth century - Saint Savin and his brother Saint Cyprien.
When you step inside you are immediately struck by the brilliant frescoes on the ceiling depicting scenes from the Old Testament. They were added in the 1100's.
Above is Noah's Ark
And this is the building of the Tower of Babel
In the 1800's the frescoes were lovingly restored as were the marble-like columns.
Drove past Limoges and finally got on a freeway to Sarlat. We had a funky Best Western waiting for us there! Sarlat is a popular place and we planned this trip rather suddenly so our options were limited because we wanted to stay within the town.
The only reason I call it "funky" was because the elevator only went up two stories and we had to lug all of our luggage up the last flight!
Once we got settled we walked into town and had dinner in the square that the woman at the front desk recommended Le Regent. It was a warm evening bathed in the golden light of the local stones. Sarlat also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Everyone was outside on this lovely evening - children were playing & tables from various cafes were spread along the cobblestone pedestrian street, live music was coming from a bar up a little side alley, older people were strolling with their dogs......and church bells would ring on the hour and half hour.
And guess what?
No one had their cell phone out.....
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