March Wanderings - Saumur

The chateau of Saumur crowns a small plateau adjacent to the Loire. It was recorded in set of exquisite paintings in the early 1400s. These were part of the most famous Medieval French manuscript surviving today, Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Originally it was surrounded by vineyards, some of which still exist. The village at its base has grown into one of the most picturesque towns along the Loire river.

As it was in 1412

And here it is today

 

Playing with my new telephoto lens

A view across La Loire from the chateau

On market day several squares fill with vendors. The Eglise St. Pierre is in the background.

The market at Place de la Bilange

Inside Eglise St. Pierre

 The church grew as the town grew.

12th century stonework at right, 14th century in the middle and 17th century at left

Random details from around the town