Gien

Over the Ascension holiday Mme MB suggested we go away for a few days, to have a break. At first it was a surprise, so I didn't know where we were going.

She had arranged a booking at a gîte in the Gâtinais, to the east of Orléans, near the Loire. She had also planned for us to meet up with our friends Bernadette & Julian as well as their friend Delphine. Bernadette & Julian had been living locally to us in Evry up until about 6 months ago. Having retired from the French Post Office, they decided to go and live in a convent near the Loire. Julian is now working as a handyman in the convent, with a small appartment there they both share.

So we arrived Thursday lunchtime, dropping off a few things with them, before going on to the Gîte.
After a bit of a rest (it was very hot out), we travelled south to visit Gien. Near the banks of the Loire, a lot of steps up to the church afford this nice high point of view, looking down on the river bank walk - with the river and the other half of the town on the other side. As well as the surrounding countryside.
You can also see our Kangoo to the right of the Gien sign (which comemorates the fact the Olympic torch was handed over here).