domaine du grand hazier

We had to do poke our noses into this wonderful world of vanilla. but first we had to do justice to this walled township. This is my kind of medieval town. Not that all towns labelled medieval, look the same. Solidly anchored at the top of a high cliff on an isolated hill, it occupies a strategic position in the heart of Maine. from its rocky overhang, we spied a superb vista over the hills of the Coevrons and the Anjou plain. You have got to see the fortifications, for which this village earned its fame.... it is arranged in a triangular plan. We actually walked the entire perimeter, via a path that leads from the postern, which hugs the two steepest sides of the ramparts. The castle has four fabulous lookout turrets, with the entrance to the town along the main thoroughfare where we came upon the museum, boasting the oldest piece of armour in France as well as the town's history. Outside, craftsmen display their images of figures from Tarot cards celebrating the town's former glory producing paper and playing cards. We loved the museum of toys and enamel plaques, after which we were treated to a brilliant re-enactment by the town folk dressed up as knights and princesses . Later in the afternoon, we followed some anglers to their favourite spots along the river Erve and showed off my klutzie angling technique. The view back to the chateau and the village from the river is exceptionally peaceful and romantic. This is one proud and elegant town, conscious of its exceptional heritage.

Possibilité de visiter la Vanilleraie, mais le plus interressant est la découverte du Domaine avec le propriétaire. Beaucoup de passion dans ce qui nous est raconté. Un beau moment d'Histoire.