Wednesday 15 February 2012

Saumur

Yesterday we visited Saumur for a very special reason...

(Incidentally, those of you who were kind enough to leave comments on yesterday's post may wish to check out Colin's reply to your comments!)

We've always loved the town for its architectural interest, its pleasant atmosphere, its mix of old and new, and of course, the location of its magnificent chateau.


We couldn't help but notice this man up in the trees wielding a chainsaw with a certain flair and style, whilst us pedestrians below could only stand and stare...


We made our way past the scene negotiating the cones put out to protect the public from being hit by huge hunks of tree hurtling to the ground....


Looking back towards the building which houses the Office de Tourisme (which must surely be one of the most opulently housed tourist offices in the country) the trimming of one tree was nearing completion.


Leaving the centre of town, mission accomplished (!), we headed out to good old Intermarché.. Nothing like a trip to Intermarché to bring one down to earth.

Here again we encountered a man up in the dizzy heights. This time temporary traffic lights were in operation and an impressive row of cones kept everyone safe... Health and Safety at its best!


On our way back we stopped at another great place, Candes Saint Martin at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers.

It is such an amazing sight to see the two rivers converge and it's one we have photographed many times, but it never ceases to impress.  For much of its length the Loire enjoys the status of World Heritage Site. It is not called 'The mighty Loire' for nothing!

14 comments:

GaynorB said...

Before I jump to conclusions, where are you counting from?

If it is what I think it is, I'll be back ...

Diane said...

Sounds like congratulations to me :)

Love this post, wish I had a machine like that it would make picking cherries a pleasure! Diane

Colin and Elizabeth said...

You go ahead and jump to conclusions, Gaynor!

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Thank you, Diane! That's very kind of you!!

Susan said...

Bah! I actually typed 'une bague?' in yesterday's comment, then took it out in case I wasn't right and caused embarrassment. So did it involve a ceremony with the maire or is that still to come? My very best wishes anyway and may you have many years of happiness together.

Jean said...

I just wish to add my heartfelt congratulations to all the others.

It's wonderful news and how nice to have friends who are getting engaged......it takes me back to my youth.

About Paris said...

You big romantic! Congrats

Anonymous said...

Thank you , you have made my day visiting my lovely hometown, I dont know if you know that Balzac wrote Eugenie Grandet and it is set in Saumur, hope you saw the protestant temple and had a nice glass of Saumur wine, Champigny,or Vouvray

We also have a military academy and a school for the Cadre Noir which is the same as the Vienna school. I sound like I work for the tourist bureau , I dont , right now I live in the States and miss not being there!!!

Annie v.

GaynorB said...

Congratulations to you both!

Are we getting to see some photographs?

With our love and very best wishes x

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Well, you were right first time, Susan! No, the ceremony (whatever we decide) is for the future but a big thank you for your good wishes.

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Thank you so much, Jean!

What do you mean it takes you back to your youth? If you've left your youth, it's news to us!!

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Thank you Jim and Pauline. We were wondering if there are any romantic ruins - an ancient Abbey perhaps - where we might hold the ceremony.......?!

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Oh yes, Annie...

Eugenie Grandet was one of the texts I had to read for French A level many moons ago! I had completely forgotten about it until I read your post but now I remember it was set in Saumur.

We'll have to do some more visits to give you a regular "fix" of your hometown.

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Thank you very much, Gaynor!

No doubt in some future posting there will be a discreet off-centre shot of a ring which the discerning reader will note.....

PROBABLY!!