the old wisteria

This is the biggest and probably oldest wisteria I've seen around town.  It's right next to the Office of Tourism so it's a great show for the many tourists in the spring.

the French presidential election 2017

Well, I hope by now you're aware that today is election day in France.  To win the presidency outright a candidate must get 50% of the votes and this year (as usual) no candidate is expected to get that.  So there will be in all likelihood a runoff election in two weeks between the two top vote getters in this round 1 vote.  Personally, I think runoffs are a great idea.  And, by the way, what you're seeing is pretty much the only permitted election advertising allowed (no TV or radio ads, etc.).  Political fund-raising as Americans know it doesn't really exist here.

bowling for tulips

I have been remiss in not already capturing the players of petanque, but this opportunity allowed me to resolve that as well as capturing the tulips in full bloom.  Petanque is a French national pastime and for Americans it would  seem to be somewhat a combination of bowling and horseshoes. It's not only played for fun but also for serious competitions.

François 1er chez Leonard de Vinci

I've lived in Amboise several years now and have visited the local post office (La Poste) many times.  But only recently when I was waiting outside for the doors to open for business did I notice this nice carved stone panel above the entrance.  It's been 500 years since Leonardo himself moved to Amboise.   Clos Lucé turned out to be his last home as he died there in 1519.

shadow games

A wonderful way to end a beautiful spring day.

café life moves outdoors

The outdoor cafés and restaurants are now brimming with tourists and locals in the newly warm weather.

spring has sprung

We've had glorious spring weather for the past few days, and the town's flower beds are exploding with color.

CDP Theme Day for April - wet

The first of every month is Theme Day for the worldwide bloggers of City Daily Photo.  Today's theme is "wet" and you can see how the others interpreted the theme here.

For ADP, I chose this scene on the banks of the Loire, taken from the bridge Leclerc above.

Today I am announcing the winding down of Amboise Daily Photo.  I think I have taken this blog pretty much to its limits for a small town such as Amboise.  I am now finding it is increasingly difficult to post fresh ideas on a daily basis.  However, ADP is not going away.  I will make additional posts whenever I have a shot that is worth sharing.

But also today, I am announcing the start of another blog upon which I will focus my photographic energies.  It's called France and Beyond because I will post photos from our many travels in France, Europe, Asia, the Americas... well, anywhere.