Saturday, July 18, 2009

Medieval retreat

We are in the historic medieval town of Dijon, France, having taken the train here from Paris. We're staying with an old friend.

Our room is a small chamber above an inner courtyard, behind two vast green doors that open onto a narrow street. A balcony at our window is planted with pink oleander, roses, marigolds and ivy. Two chairs invite us to sit - except there is a sudden summer rain.

Below, against the whitewashed wall of the house, a pink hydrangea is in full bloom. A wisteria vine coils up the wall. An apricot with rosy-blushed fruit droops its branches.

There are carved stone lions on the golden stone wall. This house was built in 1541. What a great place to nap, snuggled under a quilt on a rainy afternoon.

10 comments:

meandering pearl said...

o exquisite! id love to visit paris someday!

shrink on the couch said...

1541 ! Wow. I would love to see all that old architecture. The pic of carved stone you have included is incredible. And yes, what a picturesque little garden spot.

I have never been to Europe and can't wait to go someday.

♥Mimi♥ said...

Lovely! Thanks so much for such a lovely post today. Cold and windy and a little rainy here today. I truly needed a little lift☺

♥Have a terrific Pink Saturday♥

Wishing you and all those you love the best of weekends.

Claudia said...

What a beautiful place! I'm so glad you're having a good time. Happy Pink Saturday!

Anonymous said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely!

One Shabby Old House said...

How wonderful for you.
Enjoy it for me too.
Happy Pink Saturday
Hugs

Becky

Gilly said...

You can lie in bed wondering about all the other people who have lain there - let your imagination flow!

I imagine too that its likely that house was built on the site of, or incorporates, a much older dwelling!

Lovely placde to stay!

Beverly said...

Glennis, what an enchanting place to be able to stay. I can only imagine the history. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the walls could talk?

Just imagine!

Mary Bergfeld said...

How beautiful. It must be wonderful to stay in a place with so much history. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

Light and Voices said...

Lovely place to visit. Thanks for the cyber tour.
Joyce M