I couldn’t possibly come to Chinon without posting a photo of the château. Construction of the château - a royal fortress really - started in the 10C and concluded in the 12C.
On the 6th of March 1429 Joan of Arc arrived at the château . She claimed to hear heavenly voices that said Charles would grant her an army to relieve the siege of Orléans. While staying at the castle she resided in the Tour du Coudray - the tower on the extreme right of the image. Charles met with her two days after her arrival and then sent her to Poitiers so that she could be cross-examined to ensure she was telling the truth. Joan returned to Chinon in April where Charles granted her supplies and sent her to join the army at Orléans.
I normally post a night image of the château but today, for a change, you get a B&W daytime image. The boat passing in front of the château is a traditional transport barge, now used for pleasure trips.
What a brilliant shot. Pity I wasn't aware of your September Challenge until I read the link now. What a great idea. Although we are already half way through the month, perhaps I should give it a try for some days too!
@maggiemae She was indeed a 'helluva lady'! She was 17 years old when she came to the château and was burned at the stake two years later on 30 May 1431!
@graemestevens We shall be home by then... depends on where you intend visiting - we're 6 hours from Calais, 1 hour from St Malo... and less than 2 hours from Paris by train. Tag me if the trip looks on.
