In July, 1994 my husband and I flew to France where we were treated to a three-week excursion with his cousin, Catherine, her husband Jean François, and their daughter Adeline. That was 27 years ago, and my camera was a small, point and shoot model, so all the photographs of that journey are less than spectacular! However, the trip itself, the places we visited, and family members who received us were amazing. For this week’s challenge from Tina, I offer these humble photos of some truly wonderful architecture.
Jean-François’ and Catherine’s three story home in Châteaugiron was built of stone in the middle ages. Walls are about two feet thick as you can see in this photo looking out the window of our third floor bedroom, and below of the entrance to their home and Jean-François’ medical practice.
Creighton’s grandfather. Jean-Pierre Le Coq had studied for the priesthood, then left France for the USA. He never told his siblings that he had married and fathered four children, who in turn had children. It was after his death, when Catherine was sent by the family to recover some letters between Jean-Pierre and George Sand, that she discovered there was a whole other branch of the family tree all over the United States.
This little church in Saint-Brieuc is likely where Jean-Pierre studied for the priesthood.
Saint-Malo, where Catherine’s parents resided has a rich history. A walled town on the coast of Brittany, it has the highest tides in Europe, with water that can rise 13m (14+ yards) over the course of six hours. When the water goes out, it reveals several kilometres of ocean floor, and when it comes back, it comes back fast. Because the Germans had built bunkers into the structures, the town was three-fourths destroyed during World War II, but it has been rebuilt.
What an incredible structure in a fascinating landscape this is. Yes, it’s a tourist site, yet such history and well worth the visit.
From Brittany/Normandy we were taken on a tour to the south of France, visiting family and towns along the way. There are many châteaux on the tour-guide lists. We visited two and I liked this one best.
Château de Chenonceau spans the River Cher, near the small village of Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire. It is one of the best-known châteaux of the Loire Valley.
I’ll finish with one of the most unique places we visited. Creighton’s uncle Guy, was reconstructing this home in Albepierre, to be a summer getaway. Built into the earth in the middle ages, with 3-4 foot thick walls, the remodel was quite an undertaking!
As we enter the holiday season, please continue to be kind and stay safe.🐾
Lindy Low LeCoq 