The Vendage

 

 

 

I visited some local vineyards during the harvesting of the grapes. These photos show the very beginning of the wine making process.

Early autumn

 

 

 

The leaves are changing colour and starting to fall. The wild cyclamen are so pretty growing aroung the tree trunks.

Local views

 
 
 
Whilst driving to Gracay we stopped to take a couple of photos. The countryside around here is so relaxing and beautiful.
The old, leaning tree is actually in Gracay.

 
 
Buildings in Blois. The first is a shoe repairer. Blois is a beautiful city with pavement bars, a pedestrianised area and many shops.The chateau is almost in the centre of the town and is well worth a visit. There is also an interesting Museum of Magic here.

 
Oysters (huitres) are excellent at this time of year. These were on sale in the Friday street market at Contres.

St. Gilles Croix de vie

 
 
 
 
What a perfect day we spent here.

Bretignolles sur Mer

 
 
 
 
Mum, Jane and I spent a fantastic week on the Vendee. These photos are of a nearby beach and, of course, Rhythm the dog!
One day we had our lunch at a restaurant overlooking this beach...superb!

Mennetou sur Cher

 

 

 

This is a well preserved mediaeval village. The Tourist Information Office is excellent. It has many local arts and crafts items for sale. We strolled about in the sunshine and had lunch in the Restaurant de la Plage which overlooks the Cher . An idyllic setting.

The Fouzon banks

 
 
 
There are so many natural colours along the river bank.The area has been partially cleared and new ponds created for raising new fish to release into the river.It's a delightful area and only 5 minute's walk away from our house.

More local pics

 
 
 
I used the river Fouzon as a background for some 'teasle' phots and the sky for others so there are two different colour effects.The red berries were a real joy to see;so bright!

Out and about

 

 

 

The light was excellent for photography and Rhythm and I were out just after 7.00am. Lots of good shooting opportunities.

 
 
 
And now their rear view after they had gone past me. They really enjoyed tasting the wines here, especially their selection of reds made from the grapes from Cabernet Franc (same grape as Bourgueil), Cot and Pinot Noir.

 
 
 
Our two biker guests leaving Chateau de Quincay, driving towards the main road to Meusnes.