Day pictures this time. Châteaudun, (which has the first of the famous Loire castles if you are starting from Paris) has become a favourite retreat in the last few years – and not just because it is a convenient distance from the Channel… Very civilised, very polite – very French, in a medium-sized sort of way! We wandered through the historic area around the château last night, taking yesterday’s (not great) dark photos – definite autumn nip, almost deserted streets, touch of mist, scuffling leaves – magic! And then we ate in a surprisingly modern restaurant, directly off a C16th street – not without ambition, but I couldn’t help regretting it had somehow lost touch with its surroundings.
Great croissants in the square this morning though – and amazing November 11th/ 18th October floral decorations on the central fountain – the 18th October bit commemorates the heroic (but unsuccessful) attempt to defeat Prussian invaders in 1870. The town suffered severe arson damage but it was later awarded the Croix de la Légion d’Honneur for its bravery.
Ps – also a very classy (VERY French!) artisan bakery on the square. Of course we called in – and when we left there were only a couple of those millefeuilles you can see in the picture left on the tray…!
SpinningStreak 