Spring?

I think spring might be getting close. I was at the market today and there was a full two tables of beautiful, colourful, lacy brassieres. (I don’t even know how to spell that – I almost whimped out and said bras.) I did not see anyone try any on. You were right, Linda.

Also, yesterday they uncovered the pool! It’s a dreadful green colour and I don’t think anyone would want to get into that water, but it’s a start.

The tarp is gone today, but that’s all that’s done. And it’s been 24 hours! Quand peut je nager?

And remember I said the river level was up a bit. Our building has a conference area (it would make a nice spot for a wedding reception or a renewal of vows — hint, hint DH) which is on the ground floor and has a deck over top of the river. Here are a few shots of the water going under right now.

I scrunched my face to the windows and it looks like there might be a clear glass area in the floor where you can watch the water go by under the room.

This tower shows up in a lot of photos and I haven’t told you anything about it, so let’s put you out of your misery and get to the bottom of it.

Here was are at the bottom of it, and the middle, and the top.

It is called the Tour Saint-Antoine and was built in the mid 1500’s as a tower for a church that doesn’t exist any longer. It was also used by the town as a belfry after the French Revolution.

There is no wine on those vines yet.

It isn’t open to the public right now, but it will be on European Heritage Days. I can come back. It is decorated in a typically Renaissance style and even has flying buttresses up at the top.

Another building from the 1500’s here is the Hotel de Ville, which was the first town hall and is also built in Renaissance style, It has one of the first straight-flight dog-leg staircases built at that time. I haven’t been inside yet, but you can be sure that whatever that staircase looks like we’re going to get a picture!

Here’s the building. It has held the same role for 500 years. I feel so young here!

And while I’m downtown at non market time, here are a couple of shots (going one way and then the other) of Rue du Chateau. Great shot of the flying buttress!

I went up to the park beside Saint Ours Collegiate church today. You will recall that I use their little money box by the nailing stump to get rid of my change. On the way there I came across this really old well. Thought it looked neat so I took a picture.

And then I hit the jackpot! A cat just sitting there. He ran away pretty quickly but I did get a picture. This one’s for you, Blue.

I got to the little park and had a little sit. It’s Saturday and the weather is fine so there were a few other people around today. There is no wine on those vines yet either.

This church has two pyramidal domes covering the nave. Anyone want a picture?

And then home again. I had a marvellous dinner of fresh greens and mushrooms with fresh ravioli stuffed with cèpes. (I wonder why we are inclined to share our food choices online?)