During our market meanderings in Maintenon we noticed a
Chateaux and decided this warranted a visit. The entrance through the front courtyard
was fairly standard but the rear view had a Micky Mouse feel to it – how’s this
for an enchanted Disneyland castle?
The grounds although small
were beautifully kempt but what really grabbed my attention was the large
structure in the background.
On closer inspection it is a
massive structure which was the Canal de l'Eure (or sometimes the Vabaun aqueduct after its constructor). You could easily fit a two way highway on top. (At 60' it couldn't be a road...). It was to take water from the River Eure to the massive but very thirsty fountains of Versailles some 80 kms away. (See blog June 2009.) King Louis XIV had numerous fountains in Versailles but little water
so ordered the aqueduct notwithstanding the need for 692 arcades. Unfortunately funds ran out before it was
completed but it is a remarkable piece of 1690 engineering.
I should mention that in
Maintenon I was serving dinner and the children were rushing in as it had
started to rain. There was a crash and staggeringly loud wailing as Seren hit
the entrance floor of the awning. Long story short – a broken ankle and 12
hours of travelling around Chartres visiting hospital, police and pharmacists
at midnight. For some reason she declined dinner…..What was interesting was hpw
quickly she adapted to crutches from painfully slow to almost running in just
a couple of days.
The Rowlinsons had selected
our itinerary for these weeks and we set off for Thonin Les Bains on lake
Geneva. A visit to Mont Blanc was essential. This view of Aigulle du Midi at the top of the
two stage lift also had a magical and enchanting feel to it.
The weather was great and so
were the views.
As occurred during our visit
in July 2011 there were a few hikers
Some of whom were setting up for the night prior to making an assault in the morning.
One of the advantages of
Seren being in plaster and on crutches was that we were able to short cut
queues. We were invited into the first aid room on the way down when there was
another squeal. This time Daelin had touched a radiator which was so hot he
burnt his hand. (Pretty good for a first aid room – it got turned off
immediately and then a cool gel and some serious bandaging had to be applied.
Fortunately by the time we
were back in Chamonix and tucking into some raclette the bandage was off and
the cheese and potatoes being thoroughly enjoyed.
The view as we left the restaurant continued the enchanting
theme of a magical day.
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