Today we checked out where there was a local market and set off towards Pierrefonds, about eleven miles away. We used my GPS and it took us all over the place to get there, it didn't help that me and Mick would stop to take photos along the way. When we did eventually arrive it was a small village and there was no sign of a market anywhere, in fact the whole place looked deserted. We drove round looking and eventually decided we would drive on to find somewhere else and then, round the corner as we were leaving the village we came across this
and headed back into the village to have a look. We parked up next to the castle and at its base we found the village centre and a very small market, he market wasn't worth visiting but the castle (Château de Pierrefonds) certainly was. We took two minutes to look round the market stalls and then had a walk around the rest of the village, a very pretty place, we took loads of photos.
Couldn't decide what to have for dinner, do we get something from the shop to eat in the square or do we try a cafe or restaurant. While we were thinking about it we passed a place with an outdoor seating area in a garden with a BBQ going, it smelt great, so we went in. We had a very nice lunch in the sun with great views and a couple of beers (Kronenbourg (Mick the driver, had cola)).
After lunch we though we would have a walk up to the castle and if if didn't cost too much to get in, have a look round. The main entrance was closed and we were directed up a steep hill to the side entrance we almost didn't bother but the girls wanted to go see. When we got there there was no price list but we asked some people coming out and it was free entry, so we went in.
There were signs dotted about, all mentioning Merlin, then there was a notice to say filming was in progress for the TV series Merlin, we assumed it was French, so it wasn't until we returned home and looked it up on IMDB, that we found out it was for the BBC.
What a fantastic castle, of course it looks so good as it has been rebuilt, the first castle was built in the 12th century, in the 15th century it was rebuilt and then demolition was started in the 17th Century. Demolition was too difficult, so not a lot was done, it was then it was acquired by Napoleon and finally restored during 19th century.
We spent ages wandering around the castle, most of the big rooms are open to the public and there were a couple of art displays to see but eventually we got tired and headed back to the car. Not a bad trip out, considering we had no idea this castle even existed, what a great find, we would recommend it to everyone.
It is a big shame that next year, this place will be overrun with new tourists from the UK, all wanting to see Merlin, it looks like it is popular in the summer anyway. I am glad that we got to see this beautiful, peaceful village and magnificent castle before that happens, it will not be the same again.
Back at the site Dot and I ventured over to the pool, the outside pools were closed and the indoor pools were very full and noisy, also not very warm. So we didn't stop in the water very long and headed back to the van where we had a pleasant evening in the sun with a few beers.
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