Sunday, May 28, 2017

The Abbey and Échiré

We're up be ry early, pack everything, and head out to a quick breakfast. The shuttle is slow, so we decide to walk to the Mont, a beautiful way to approach, which takes about 30 minutes. We head straight to the Abbey, which already has a long line, and slowly wind our way through until we ascend the grand staircase - more stairs! Each room of the Abbey is more spectacular than the last, beautifully proportioned, brilliantly engineered in this difficult site, most of the rooms are plain stone, the colors long ago erased, but at least this was not too damaged after the revolution. In several locations we have incredible views, which are both intimidating and thrilling. At the end, we exit through the beautiful gardens with stunning views of the ocean, and head down the main rue, which is now thronged with people as the day heats up. I am very glad we followed Madeleine's advice and came last night and early this morning.

A little shopping at the magazine next to the hotel (Mont St-Michel beer for Thierry, caramels for the children), and we are off for the long drive to Échiré. With only a few detours and a short stop for a picnic lunch, we arrive about 5:00pm. Nathalie looks as gorgeous as ever, Thierry the same, and the children are so tall now and so beautiful! Of course a lovely long dinner follows, salami and fois gras, then a duck shepherd's pie, quite delicious, with salad, the three delicious local cheeses, and then chocolate mouse and créme brulée. We can't even finish the desserts, and we stay awake late talking. It is so nice to see them again.

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