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| Maison Forte de Reignac |
"Rick can come with us."
"No he can’t."
"Yes, he can, it says dogs are
allowed."
So Rick came with us to visit the
Maison de Reignac, a fortified chateau set into the cliff face overlooking the
Vezere valley. Dating back to the 14th
century the dwelling has only recently been opened to the public. The rooms are
presented with their period furnishings and as you enter it’s like going back
in time. It’s slightly sinister with all
the shadows and stuffed animals and I gave the exhibition of torture
instruments a miss. Rick got completely
spooked by the animated suit of armour.
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| Sarah in the kitchen |
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| Kat in the dining room |
One of the smallest rooms is called
the Billy Goat room after 'The Billy Goat of Reignac’. This lord of the
chateau exercised his right of 'jus primae noctis' (right of the first night)
over the women and girls of the region with a particular brutality. Men had to
present their wives to the lord of the chateau on their wedding night for him
to amuse himself as he wished!
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| Rick rescuing Paul from the dungeon |
It’s an impressive place to visit
but the best part for me were the views from the caves above the roof of the house overlooking
the valley.
How nice that Rick was admitted to the place rather than stuck in the car and carpark. Good ol' France.
ReplyDeleteYes, can't see that happening in the UK. He could have come to the posh chateau dinner with us, there were other dogs in the restaurant.
DeleteRick is going to be one very cultured dog if you can take him everywhere with you.
ReplyDeleteNo chance, we don't do much culture!
DeleteIs Rick being good with the girls around?
ReplyDeleteHe adores them, he spends most of the evening on the sofa with them.
DeleteGreat family photo, what a view behind. I'd say Rick's one lucky dog.
ReplyDeleteIt was very high up but the views were worth the climb.
DeleteA fascinating place to visit. The photos don't show any other visitors so were you alone there?
ReplyDeleteIt was early afternoon, everyone else was still at lunch. Great to have the place to ourselves.
DeleteThat kitchen is just perfect; I should have been born in the 14th C. Are you saying that 'droit de cuissage' no longer exists? Disgraceful.
ReplyDeleteThe kitchen was my favourite room, log fire burning too.
Delete