Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...in Chaumussay.

On the bank of the river Claise in  Chaumussay, Southern Touraine.

'Joan' in the little village of Chaumussay in Southern Touraine.

 

Thursday's 'taken in Touraine'...Chaumussay

Looking over the Claise river towards the small village of Chaumussay in Southern Touraine.

 

Tuesday for towns and villages in Centre-Val de Loire - Chaumussay

 

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench - Chaumussay, Southern Touraine

 

Thursday's taken in Touraine

July sunset just outside the village of Chaumussay  

Tuesday for towns & villages in Centre Val de Loire - Chaumussay

Chaumussay in Southern Touraine is a charming little village in the valley of the Claise river - it is worth making a detour to drive through here in summer to view their floral arrangements plus the 'grotto' cut into the rock face at one end of the lovely stone bridge

 We are not sure why this elaborate grotto, which is dedicated to the baby Jesus is here and could find very little information on it.

It was possibly added as the village had been a place of pilgrimage for many years (right up to the early 70's) to worship at the village's own 'Calvary' on the hillside. It was important enough to be visited by the Archbishop of Tours in 1893.

To the right of the grotto there is a rather grand small structure supporting a statue of St Mark standing over a well with, you will not be surprised to hear, miraculous healing powers.Did they stop working in the 70's?

The water drops down to a pool below via a what is described locally as a 'camels head' formed by lime deposits - you can decide for yourself what you think it looks like.

Back over the bridge there is an interesting 12th century church  with 'Joan' statue standing guard outside. 

There is also a former tithe barn with its rather fancy pigeonnier with its zinc façade.

As we said, worth the detour!

Taken in Touraine...

This photograph was taken in the small but charming village of Chaumussay in the valley of the Claise river In Southern Touraine - it is worth making a detour to drive through here in summer to view their floral arrangements plus the 'grotto' cut into the rock face at one end of the lovely stone bridge.

This used to be a place of pilgrimage and the waters from its fountain were believed to cure eye problems.

It is illuminated at night for added effect.

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