T Stands for Trip back to Mediaeval times

 Hi everyone, I'm here earlier as by the time some of you read this will be on the way down south! We're hoping to see lots of Autumn colours.

For now though, I'm going back to our last outing with our friends from Poitiers.

I'm joining in at T Stands for Tuesday at The Altered Book Lover (More of that later)

As I mentioned last week, it was Patrimoine weekend. We set off early to visit a medieval fair.

It was in the commune of Chateau Larcher. What we didn't know was that the whole village was taken over. The castle and neighbouring church dominated everything - very impressive!

The main street was taken up with food of all sorts on sale, from honey to black puddings

The dragons were around entertaining the children

We decided to visit the church first

The next few pics were taken by hubby

We were quite surprised to see a young child, dressed as a knight, being encouraged by his parents to go up into the pulpit for a photo. It raised a few tuts from folk around!

It is quite a plain church but with some quite ornate features.

This area was quiet as we passed  but later the crowds were watching 'battles'

There was a large field full of Artisan crafters - some demonstrating their skills

Time for some lunch - we had to queue for quite a while but the local inn, L'Auberge de la Clouére did an excellent job, having set up tables under a very large awning!

We enjoyed a pork dish with a delicious sauce and potatoes, followed by Tarte Tatin. We drank water which was refilled as soon as it was emptied! I am of course joining Bleubeard and Elizabeth at The Altered Book Lover for T Stands for Tuesday.

There was still a lot to see.

We missed the flying display but the birds of prey were happy to pose.

Some one told us that this is a New Zealand Kookaburra.

These horses were so well trained.

We walked on to the large sports field where there was a huge Vide Grenier (Boot/Garage sale)

The back of the castle looked impressive

On the way back to visit the chateau we saw Crusader knights

The castle wasn't so accessible once we got through the large gate

As we left we spotted this loom above the gate

Once outside the gate we were just in time for the procession of all the people who had dressed up during the day

The Crusaders went by.....

....followed by the lepers....

..and the musicians and dancers

Back to where our car was parked - a sunflower field 

Very red soil - you can imagine what that did to the car, so the next day, before the Queen's funeral....

....Hubby enjoyed using the power washer to clean both cars(we only went in one but both could do with a wash!)

Then we all watched the funeral - a sad occasion but good to share it with our friends.

This was our last day with our friends - the next day we were off to visit my son and daughter-in -law. At this point we switched off the sound. 

More next week!

Thanks for looking, Chris