A close up of our fresh truffleAnd what unbelievably beautiful countryside it is; Rolling hills, chocolate brown cultivation, iridescent green pastures and small herds of white Charolais cattle grazing and lazing on the hillsides. The setting is so idyllic we have to pinch ourselves to make sure we are not in some Disneyland created theme park.
Then there are the super quaint picture postcard villages. Ancient, stone buildings and houses in neat villages decorated with pots, baskets, barrels and tubs of annual flowers.
Interspersed with these villages are the occasional chateau. The first we bump into, totally unannounced, is Chateau Commarin. There is virtually no publicity or signs for any sites of interest. If an attraction or site is advertised in France, you better go and have a look because it is sure to be spectacular if the French think it is good enough to shout about. Chateau Commarin is just there quietly waiting for visitors as it has been for nearly a 1000 years.
An then there is Chateauneuf; Ruined Chateau and accompanying village perched on a hilltop.
The village of Chateauneuf is an artist's dream. Around every corner there is at least 5 new paintings. Jenelle could live here for decades and never run out of subject material.
With panoramic views that look across the idyllic landscape that go on for ever.
While visiting Chateauneuf we notice several boats and barges moving through the lock on the Canal de Bourgogne in the valley below. Off we go to investigate.
The view from the lock back up to Chateauneuf.
The view along the canalWhich barge will we hire for our next holiday we wonder?
Just imagine!
