Quick Index:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
France Trip, April, 2008
Monday, April 7
Didn't sleep well last night, so we slept in a bit and decided to relax today. Finally got internet access and caught up on email. Pat went to the store for some cheese and bread to have for lunch.
Chateau de la Barre, with the old protective wall in the foreground. The wall was to protect
against gangs of thieves rather than political enemies. Barons had to get permission
from the king to build a fortification. Count Guy's fox terrier is on
top of the wall.
The sun is finally shining today! We went for a walk and took some wine, cheese, bread, pickles, and French chocolate with us. We wandered the chateau gardens and hiked up to see the sheep. There are brand new little lambs in the pasture, so cute.
New spring lambs, probably being raised for French dinner tables...(shhh)
Another view of the chateau. There are several buildings, including a
chapel, a large multi-car garage and
a small cottage, all with remains of construction from the Middle Ages.
Part of the old protective wall, with the remains of a watchtower. Sheep
fields in the distance.
The main part of the chateau, with the old wall in the foreground.
Picnicking on the grounds, along with the Count's fox terrier.
The Count and the Countess, Guy and Marnie de Vanssay, own a colorful parrot from Nicaragua named Mr. Cacoo. He's huge and very tame. They bathe him, pet him, and turn him upside down.
Monsieur Cacoo, who welcomes everyone in the front hall
The chateau was used for many years as a court of justice, hence "La Barre." Several of Guy's ancestors followed William the Conqueror to England, so the family crest shows up in places there as well. The crest is symbolic of an ermine. A raised ducat, or coin, under the crest signifies that someone from the family participated in the Crusades. The crest is built into the stone of the fireplace in the Salon Rosé. The biggest room, the le Grande Salon, is full of antiques.
Le Grand Salon at the chateau. Most of the furniture is over 250 years old.