Walk: 5km; total: 230km
We stayed up late last night and therefore for the first time we got to see the sun go down. It was actually dark when we turned out the light. Consequently we were a tad slower getting out of bed this morning. We eventually made it to breakfast just before 8:30am.
We set off on our wander of the mountain that is Sancerre about 9:15am. Sancerre sits at an altitude of 312m above sea level, 150m above the Loire river below and on a clear day one gets a view of up to 40km. Sancerre began in 1152, when Étienne 1st recognized the power of having the high ground and built a fortress. The streets have retained their medieval character - narrow, winding and often very steep (yep, we can vouch for that), the names of some keeping alive many of the notable taverns, wells, and churches. With an explanation guide, we followed the red line, Ariane’s Thread, and found all of the sights listed, plus some that were more interesting than those listed. 5km later, we were back at the hotel for a well-deserved break.
After lunch and a long rest, Greg went out on foot to recce the route for our ride down the mountain tomorrow. After he returned, we did a bit of photo sorting, sharing, and blogging.
We set off for dinner just before 7pm for our new favourite restaurant. The meals tonight (linguine carbonara for Wendy, and grilled salmon and linguine for Greg) were just as delicious as the meals last night. Inside the restaurant was not as busy as the same time last night, but because it was such a perfect night weather wise, most of the clientele opted to sit outside. Also Friday night dinners may start a bit later.
DANGER - DANGER - DANGER - LOTS OF PHOTOS!
Our breakfast table
The Belfry, or Tower of St Jean, constructed in 1509. The bell and the clock
were removed in 1573 as they were deemed symbols of privileges
The workings of the old bell
Church of Our Lady (Notre Dame), built between 1754 to 1762, enlarged
in the 19th century, and facade redone between 1865 and 1895
The Cavaliers-Coll organ, installed in 2001
The lead-light windows are stunning.
House of Jacques Coeur II, possibly the oldest house in Sancerre, constructed in the early 1400s
It’s showing its age these days, but it is over 600 years old
Entrance to Château Sancerre
The current Château Sancerre, the original having been
destroyed during one of the many sieges of Sancerre
Site of the old Market Square. The first market was constructed in 1465
The old market hall, constructed in 1456
Saint Jean street, name taken from a former church. Was home to numerous eating and drinking establishments that were fashionable in the 19th century
St Jean Place; there was once a well here, once held the pottery markets, and there are several 15th century houses faced in stone and open joinery
Fiefs Tower, one of six tours remaining of the medieval château from the 14th century. 12m in diameter, round outside, hexagonal inside, and 30m high
Hotel de la Thaumassiere, a 17th century dwelling, with a wisteria that was planted in 1903
The front of the building
Sancerre Town Hall
Wine making district of Sancerre
An old water well; the water comes from the water table beneath the Loire
Protestant Church, built in 1609 and destroyed in 1685, rebuilt late 1700s; served as a court house, police station, and a town club before being returned to the Protestants as a place of worship.
The remains (Romanesque doorway of the 11th century) of the Church of St Pere la None.
The building is now used for exhibits and art shows
This building with its turret (15th century) is built on the 12th century edifice. Restored by the Sancerre winemakers to its former glory, it is now called the Maison des Sancerre.
In 1276, Jews were required to live only in certain streets, and it is possible they created this street themselves, and made it a street of commerce. The street as it was back in the 19th C (above), and today (below)
Very little has changed
Royale Tower, better known as the Grenier salt store. The tax on salt was an important source of revenue for the royal treasury, and each inhabitant was supposed to buy nine pounds of salt (per year maybe?). When this was increased to 11 pounds per year, the natives revolted.
Interesting
Narrow streets
A decorative motif of the outside of a house
A pretty house complete with ceramic nesting swallows
The red line we followed today
On a wall somewhere
Outside a bar/restaurant
Nice!
Pano from the pool deck of the hotel
Hot air balloon on an evening flight
Our walk
