Château de Mouchac

Yesterday was Ascension Day  and a public holiday in France. And on public holidays there is always some sort of event in the neighbourhood, usually a vide grenier or a marché gourmand ( sitdown meal) or maybe a vintage car concourse. The Chàteau de Mouchac is a privately owned chateau above the town of Branne, about 40 minutes from the centre of Bordeaux. On this day they held a Journées des Plantes ( plant day) with local nursery people offering summer flowers, herbs and of course, roses. Tables and chairs were set out under umbrellas in the courtyard so we could all enjoy a cool drink and even a 3 course meal at lunchtime and a local sculptor was showing his fabulous  animals made of scavenged wood from the forests. 

there is always old stone, wisteria and roses...perfect together

There is a french custom that, when a public holiday falls on thursday or tuesday, then the day between that and the weekend (friday or monday ) is also taken as a holiday making a four day weekend. This extra day is called Le Pont (the bridge). Consequently, very few businesses are open today and everyone is off enjoying the sunshine – just as well as the temperature is expected to reach mid 30s.

life size horse sculpture in wood from the forest

roses, roses and .....

...more roses

the walled garden and vineyards beyond

The chateau is not usually open to the public , so we took the opportunity to wander in the gardens and appreciate the fabulous position on a hillside surrounded by vines and in it’s own park like grounds.

an old cherry tree and a perfect spot on a hot day

and what's hiding in the barn ?

you never know .....

the village church just down the lane

the wedding reception room

The chateau is available for weddings. There is a village church where the ceremony can take place   ( after a civil ceremony in the mairie, as is the law). Then guests can walk along the tree lined lane to the converted barn of stone  with a limestone floor and lit by chandeliers. I imagine it’s a magical setting for such an occasion.

Bon week-end à tous  nos amis

And finally, Modena…

 

our boutique hotel - Vittorio Veneto 25 - an easy walk to everything

It’s not known when the town was founded, but it was in existence before 200 BC.  It has seen Ligurians, Etruscans, Gauls and Romans. It was besieged by Pompey and Mark Antony and was included in Napoleon’s empire. Now it’s the home of Ferrari ,Maserati and Di Tomaso, amongst others. The university was founded in 1175 and Italian army officers are trained at the military academy here. We saw a couple of cadets, in uniform, enjoying a coffee in one of the squares ( unbelievably bad haircuts !).

beautiful houses tucked behind high walls

beautiful cars outside beautiful buildings

love the very italian colours

The area is famous for balsamic vinegar and tortellini and Modena has a restaurant rated one of the best in the world , Osteria Francescana  -  and no , we didn’t eat there. It was a sunday night and many restaurants were closed, unfortunately.

the usual sunday crowds

Ducal palace and water feature

lots of wonderful little squares always with a cafe or two

This is a beautiful city of fabulous colours. When we visit a new place, we always ask ourselves "Could we live here ?". It's always possible with us, Our conclusion ? Modena and Mantua are lovely, Florence was too touristy,  but Bologna had the best food culture. Must return to investigate more of the italian lakes though.

Super week-end à tous

The birds are back in the street gardens

roses, sage and chive flowers on an old marble topped table

wisteria taking over the fake well in the community centre carpark

The commune workers have been at it again. We have new bird sculptures in the street gardens of Port Sainte Foy.  Our first year here it was flower pot men.

The second year it was birds made of willow.

The third year it was bird houses.

The fourth year it was birds made of shiny metal ribbon,

and this year they have made birds from scrap metal ( tin cans ?) and painted them bright colours. 

definitely made of tin cans

pair complete with nest beside the war memorial

an owl ?

I think these people have been very creative with the small amount of material they have to work with. We are just waiting for the hanging flower baskets to be returned to the streets and then we will truly know it is summer.

flowers in the mairie carpark from a previous year

And we have, of course, made our contribution in the form of window boxes.

bonne semaine à tous nos amis

Lilac from the garden, sadly now finished