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Friday, May 17, 2013

In the French Countryside


Marie Antoinette's Hameau at Versailles


In my last post I told you a bit about our time in Paris in 2012.  J'adore Paris, bien sûr, but I'm a country girl at heart, and there is nothing that compares to jumping into our rental car and heading out of Paris into the French countryside.  And that is exactly what we are doing today as we join Anita's Party in the French Countryside
Simply Irresistible!!!







We headed out of Paris, down to Versailles on July 14, Bastille Day. I had read that on that day everyone wore white, with a tricolor cocarde, and that Versailles was quite the place to celebrate that day. So rather than face the crowds at the palace, we entered by the lesser known Queen's gate, where parking was a breeze. We then walked down a long allée of trees to arrive at Marie Antoinette's hameau.









This is the enchanting farm built for Marie Antoinette, where she played at being a shepherdess.








Today it has been restored and is as charming for us as it must have been for her and her children







These are not my usual edited photos, but just
snapshots.  Still, it is such a lovely spot I think you will enjoy just seeing the buildings.










All of these snaps were taken around noon, and yet,despite it being Bastille Day, there was no one there except us!!!











The Moulin









Tour de Marlborough












The Cottage














If you would like to see an article I wrote for Belle Inspiration magazine on this magical place, with some of its history and a lot more photos, you can click here








When we left Versailles, we headed out into the deep country of Normandy, to our favorite region, le parc du Perche... 










...where we stayed for a week in this romantic chateau...











...and visited many public gardens, such as this...












... and visited beautiful manoirs such as this one...













...French cottages out in the countryside are positively adorable!  Peek through any gate...












...and let out a great big sigh!











 Every house has the sweetest shutters...








...called "les volets"










I'm smitten with the heart-shaped cutouts!















This area is so bucolic, so peaceful, so visually beautiful, that I will only give you a tiny taste, and will save the rest for an entire future post...






And so, now we head even further out into the countryside, heading toward Bretagne, with a stop here...





The artist's village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei 










And marvel at all we see along the way



Châteaux at every turn!









and the reason why French bread is so delicieux!!


In my next post I will share some more of why we all love France and why we all love this party of Anita's!!  Thank you, Chérie for inviting us!!

Please remember that due to my Google glitch, I cannot comment on blogger, but I would love to trade comments with you on my facebook page, 

Now I'm off to visit you!  See you
 "dans la campagne"!!!



à la prochaine,
dawne

18 comments:

  1. It looks like you had such a lovely trip...your pictures are stunning. I just "liked" you on facebook and will continue to follow you from there. Thank you for sharing your lovely trip!

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  2. It is so fun together .....welcome in France darling.......love your post !!!...i am glad i met you here.....have a nice weekend....bisous Ria...xxx...

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  3. You have captured a true love of mine, French farms, exquisitely !

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  4. Oh Dawne!!!! Such beauty!!!! Thank you for joining in on Anita's delightful party!

    ~ Violet

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  5. Dawne,
    It's been a long time that you have posted, dear. The French Countryside is beautiful as seen through your lens. The goats on the farm are precious. I think I love the door with the heart most of all.

    I'm glad I stopped by today. I am making the rounds, but I may stop by again for a second look. You know how much I love your photography.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  6. Hello Dawne

    It is lovely to catch up to your blog again and this post has transported me to France. Your dialogue and images are truly fitting.
    Have a brilliant weekend

    Helen x

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  7. Hi Dawne,

    Oh, these photos are AMAZING!!! You really captured some gems! Thank you for sharing this tour with us.

    I've had issues commenting on google in the past. SOOOO frustrating!

    Heidi

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  8. Thank you for this fabulous tour that you saw with your very own eyes.I love it.Would you believe i love the old fence gates.I too love the cut outs.It has been a real pleasure meeting you.
    Marie Antionette

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  9. Such beauty--I want to fit in your suitcase and see France from your eyes! We are headed to Paris for a couple of days next week--never enough time, and I really wish we could get to the countryside this trip, but alas, not this trip. Always looking forward to the next time though....

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  10. Hello Dawne, it's a pleasure to meet you. Such beautiful houses and photos. It takes me away to a gorgeous place.
    Your photos are so inspirational. I want to go back. I am happily your newest follower....Linda

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  11. Dawn an absolutely enthralling post, I loved every bucolic and magical image.
    The gorgeous chateau's!

    Come with me on my adventure in France.
    life, possibilities, grace
    a beautiful dream...

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  12. YOU GOT YOUR COMMENTS TO WORK???????? WHEN? HOW?

    I just came over here to soak in more of your magic, and to drool over your photos and I see a comment box...MERCI!

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  13. These photos are amazing! They make me long for French countryside...

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  14. DAWNE!!!!!
    I have so missed your posts here. You always take us on the most remarkable trips to France, via your exquisite photography. Only you can show such beauty.
    Great to see you darling!
    Much Love
    Di
    xxxxx

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  15. Dawne, Your photos are spectacular! I am in awe! I am looking forward to more.

    Thank you for coming to visit my blog! I have been a follower of yours for a long time!

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  16. I am nearly finished visiting each of the guests at the party and I have to say that your photos are among my favorite.

    BEAUTIFUL!

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  17. A pleasure to meet you Dawne... What a beautiful blog you have.. I love your post.. I believe my favorite photo is that of the cottage.
    Penny

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  18. Bonjour Dawne,

    So lovely to catch up with you again at Anita's party.
    As always I adore your beautiful photos - the French Countryside is really gorgeous.
    Love the sweet hearts cut out in the wood.

    Hope all is well with you
    hugs
    Carolyn

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