Continuation of traveling with Rob dans la belle France

Miraculously, from now on, we have no more trouble with our capricious little French vehicle. I started enjoying the landscape painted in pastel colors in the early spring. Blooming meadows, yellow rape fields, flowering orchards, green vineyards, small orderly villages, blossoming trees, and spring flowers against ancient stone walls create a colorful kaleidoscope in my mind. We journey on at a reduced pace, stopping here and there to briefly visit a less-known castle, an ancient fortification, or a charming village. The old stone houses with low rock walls encircling their front yards have become part of nature. They are overgrown with vines or other trailing plants. Even flowers grow in the stone crevices.

At Loches, an enchanting medieval-looking town, we buy fresh strawberries at the marketplace, admiring the colorful stalls selling the season’s first produce. Fresh asparagus, lettuce, peas, and strawberries are a tantalizing feast for the eyes of a seasoned housewife like me. The air is perfumed with the scent of spring flowers. Beautiful bouquets of violets, daffodils, tulips, lilacs, and roses are offered everywhere. An ancient cathedral overlooks this timeless scene, a silent witness to countless market days of the past. There is laughter and good •cheer as people of all ages mill around, enjoying once again the wonderful gifts of a beautiful spring day.

We stop at Moulin Pierre, a small garden restaurant on the way for lunch. The ancient water mill is turning with a monotonous gurgling sound as in days long gone by. Sitting at a rustic table enjoying the warm sunshine and peaceful atmosphere, we leisurely feast on an enormous platter of various aromatic cheeses and fresh crusty bread. I indulge in some red wine and Rob slurps with contentment a refreshing raspberry drink. Our spirits are wonderfully revived by this relaxing repast.

In the early afternoon we reach Chenonceau. The spacious parking lot and reception area are full of people. Enormous tour buses with license plates from different European countries are spilling hordes of noisy and excited tourists. Many boisterous schoolchildren are also milling around, heading for washrooms, souvenir shops, and refreshment stalls. Past the tall entrance gate of wrought iron, colorful groups of sightseers are walking on the wide alley, which used to lead horse-drawn coaches and carriages to the castle in days gone by. The old shade trees flanking this imposing driveway have recently sprung into leaf. The fresh green is a delight for the eyes. I wish they could talk about the romantic history of this unique and beautiful water castle.

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