Luciole Blog

7th - 13th July 2019

A week of adventure, with 4 children between 7 and 11. On Monday some went canoeing down the river, while the others visited Bazoches. Tuesday was climbing in a limestone quarry/cave - Zip lines, swings and all manner of contraptions built into the cave walls and roof, providing discomfort, phycological terror and great fun at the same time! Returning to the boat for a campfire. On Wednesday we visited the partly re-built 2 towers of what was once France’s largest chateau, hidden in the woods above Noyers, before heading into the village for a poke around the market and lunch in a quaint restaurant. Thursday was more swinging around, this time through the trees. Enjoyed by all ages! With a lesson from the King of the Swingers, Grandfather Peter, who at 90 years old strapped on a harness swung his way through the course and along ziplines, very impressive. Following this we turned up at Guédelon, along with the Minister of Culture and his entourage, apparently. It was the first time I had been to Guédelon, and to fill you in, since 1995 they have been building a chateau, stopping time in the year of 1228, everything is themed to this period and all materials are sourced on site; vegetables for food and cloth dye, blacksmiths, a quarry, oak trees for wood, and the result is magnificent. The project is about 75% of the way through and walking along the walls or through the manor house really brings the period to life. For the final day, some went horse riding through the rolling hills and woods, others chose to visit the remains of a Roman spa, this is litterally in a large shed and quite stunning, we also snuck in wine tasting, without the kids. A great group for a great week, I was very fortunate to enjoy the tours with them.