I've been stuck inside at home for two days watching the rain come down, and with two more days of it forecast, I have decided to backtrack for this post - to the sunnier skies of June this year, when we were lucky enough to drive through Angles sur L'Anglin on a trip to meet up with Martine from Wishing I were in France, at Susan and Simon's home from Days on the Claise at What a Blogging Party.
This most striking settlement (designated one of the most beautiful villages in France) has been blogged about quite often, but I am hoping that many of my followers may not know the village and will enjoy my photos. Sorry there are so many of them, despite a hefty edit of all those I took!
It is situated in the commune of Vienne in Poitou-Charentes, this area being very unspoilt, with lovely little roads and many medieval buildings. The site offers an unbelievable view across a river valley to the ruins of the old chateau (castle).
The following is an English translation on one of the local signs (reproduced exactly as written!):- The history of Angles sur l'Anglin started 14,000 years ago. On the banks of the river Anglin shaded by Witches Rock, Magdelenian men sculpted bas reliefs representing animal and human forms.
Discovered in 1948 and unique to the world in its vast size, the ensemble is closed to the public. While waiting to discover these wonders on way of an exact replica under construction, it is possible to imagine the rich past of Angles by strolling through the charming alleys and numerous secret passages. The castle more than 40 metres high, was built in the 12th century. Wanted by many, the castle has changed hands several times, even becoming a public quarry during the French Revolution. Today a safe and tranquil visit is possible.
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| A small map of the area |
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| The chateau towers over the village |
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| The small chapel on top of the hill next to the chateau |
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| Looking down from the chateau across the river Anglin to the lower part of the village, set on the opposite bank |
St Martin's Church - Information board
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| St Martin's undergoing some restoration!! |
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| Inside St Martin's |
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| One of the windows of St Martin's Church |
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| La Cueille, one of the streets that lead down the hill from the castle, to the river and the lower parts of the village |
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| Numerous narrow streets lead to interesting places! |
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| One of the walks down to the river; some were very steep but someone has put in stormwater drains at some earlier time - see the grating!! |
Interesting signs outside buildings in the village
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| The villagers all take pride in their homes! |
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| Looking across the river towards the lower part of Angles sur l'Anglin |
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| I could not resist this photo of the 2CV parked by the river! |
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| What I believe to be the chapel of St Croix, across the river from the car |
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| and it has this stunning 13th century portal! |
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| A view from lower Angles sur l'Anglin across the river to the upper part of the village. Note the 2 CV on the other side :-) |
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| A view of the chateau from the bridge with the water mill in the foreground. |
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| Another secret little lane! |
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| and I am very curious to know where this little door leads to! |
For the official website of Angles sur l'Anglin see Here
