Northern France Villages Photo Gallery
Here we arrive at where we will spend the night, Chateau de Bonnemare, a 16th century jewel that is full of architectural and romantic treasures. Owned by the same family since 1888.
The front gate from inside the property grounds.
The front of the chateau and the little chapel.
The front door where two sphinx guard the gate.
A drawing room in the chateau. Up by the phonograph was a race horse game, but it was an antique so we didn't mess with it.
The kitchen and dining area of the chateau.
Our bedroom at the chateau.
Our bed, it made us feel like royalty!
The gorgeous view looking out the bedroom window towards the front gate.
Dahlia Single Bishop of Dover-The flowers here were so beautiful!
Another dahlia, maybe a Dahlia Collarette Pooh.
Montbretia Plant
A view of the back of the chateau and its huge grounds.
A statue on the grounds of the chateau.
The old stables of the chateau.
Another area of the chateau. It looked like an event center inside of it.
This chapel was so cute here on the property grounds. Also, notice the resident dogs at the bottom right.
Inside the lovely chapel.
After we came back from dinner we sat out here with our feet in the grass and enjoyed a much needed relaxing evening watching the sunset.
These tile were found in the floor of the 2nd floor during a renovation. They were made by Masseot Abaquesne in the 1500's.
Our breakfast setting, notice the B on the old plate of the chateau.
Part of our breakfast, the fresh croissants were delicious.
This was a plum breakfast bread made with fresh plums from the estate.
We're saying our goodbyes and thanks to the owner, while Doug says goodbye to one of the dogs.
On our way to dinner in Les Andelys this was the view we saw of this beautiful town and the Seine River.
These 15th century structures, which we loved to see, were our view at dinner.
Most houses in the 15th century were built out of wood and a kind of plaster called 'wattle and daub'.
I find the structure of these ancient buildings fascinating.
This red brick building with a round tower and conical roof was a striking structure.
Château Gaillard-Built by Richard the Lionheart, who was simultaneously King of England and feudal Duke of Normandy.
Another view of Les Andelys and the Seine River from the other side near Château Gaillard.
We were driving through the countryside and farmland of Northern France to visit beautiful villages. We saw many wheat fields being harvested and this one looks to be ready.
A flax field-This is grown for the quality of its fibre, which is light, strong, waterproof and thermo-regulating, and so suitable for both clothing, household linen and decorative uses.
Looking across the flax field.
All the city signs in this area were turned upside down and we found out that the farmers had done this as a protest against the governments laws that were not good for them.
Here's one of the many farmers we saw working as we drove around this area.
Roses in the beautiful village of Veules les Roses.
The small, charming village of Veules-les-Roses is actually deemed one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and you can see why in this photo.
Along the riverwalk.
The Watercress Beds-The clear running water of Veules favored its cultivation, which goes back to the 14th century. This was the only salad they had in winter which helped to prevent scurvy.
A common moorhen with one of her little fluffy chicks.
Walking along the watercress beds we see this old water wheel and impressive hedge.
We walked along the “Champs Elysée”, which follows the river through woods and you can see old half-timbered cottages with thatched roofs
Here's the part where we walked through the woods.
Just beautiful!
This pharmacy is covered with a very big vine! See the vine source on the bottom right.
Villa Pierre Corneille-Flint nodules (the gray areas) were used in the wall construction. This was something different that I'd never seen before.
Here you can see the flint rock area closer up.
One of the pretty houses in Veules les Roses.
A beautiful half-timbered and thatched roof home.
We didn't have enough time to spend in this beautiful village. I could have walked around for hours in this beauty!
Étretat-Erosion has created extraordinary arches in the chalk either side of the town. There's also an amazing needle-like structure, known in French as the Aiguille.
This shows the path Margaret and I took from the hilltop down to the beach.
A closer-up view of the arch and needle.
Looking back up the hill we came down and more rock formations in the cliffside.
Is this a seahorse taking a drink of water?
Étretat felt and looked like a vacation beach town.