top of page



FROM PARIS FRANCE TO MONTEPULCIANO ITALY
A journey into the land of Castles, Chianti, Vineyards, Van Gogh and more by Marilyn Cook


A majestic XVIth century castle. Walking into the courtyard is an ominous experience. You can feel spirits from centuries ago and imagine knights riding in. If you are walking alone in the dark it is an incredibly eerie experience to cross the expansive courtyard with its magnificent tall gate. The grand castle is ominous looming down into the darkness. To go in, you must open the old creaky round wooden door with the black rod iron key then the journey down the long winding shadowy hall as century old eyes stare back at you from the walls. If ever a place was haunted, it is here.
CHATEAU VERRERIE, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
#travel #chateau verrierie #loire valley #france
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
CORDES-SUR-CIEL, FRANCE
CHATEAU VERRERIE, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

Located in France, 421 miles SW of Paris, lies a sleepy village on a hilltop. A place you can experience le bon vie. The fortified town was built in 1222 by the Count of Toulouse, a Cathar heretic. Until recently the town's name was Cordes, a word thought to come from the Indo-European root "corte" meaning "rocky heights." The village is striking as it rises into the sky above the clouds on a towering hill with a beautiful fertile valley below. When walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, many cats are lounging around in the early morning hours; the village belongs to le chat on a quiet French morning before the town comes to life. The village consists of many ancient houses on narrow streets with artisans plying their skills -- blacksmiths, graphic artists, weavers, engravers, sculptors, and painters.

Cats in Cordes
#travel #cordes-sur-ciel #france
CARCASSONE, FRANCE
CHATEAU VERRERIE, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
