the garden gate

This elaborate stone entrance is to the garden at Château de la Bourdaisière.  The stone bridge in front crosses the moat around the château.  It's good to own a château.

autumn explosion

This is the only type of explosion I want to see anymore.

the windmill like you've never seen

I don't know the purpose of this windmill at Château Bourdaisière, although I could speculate that it drives a water pump for the nearby gardens.  But even if it has no other purpose, it definitely entertains and amazes.  To me it looks like a design out of a Jules Verne novel.

oh come down from your ivy tower

...and get to work in the garden.  This wonderful ivy-covered tower is next to the gardens at Château de la Bourdaisière (remember it from a few days ago?).  The gardens are just stunning and meticulously manicured.  I'm wondering how I can get up that thing and get some shots.

Château de la Bourdaisière

This is the location of the annual Festival de la tomate that I described yesterday.  The château has an interesting history that includes stories of a several French kings and their mistresses; it even has some American ties (read about the chäteau's history here).  The château and its enormous grounds and gardens are a popular destination for tourists to the area.  One can book rooms in the château itself which is fabulously decorated in a classic regional style.  Oh, one day...

2016 Festival de la tomate

This is the first year we've attended the annual tomato festival at nearby Château de la Bourdaisière.  This incredible château is worth the trip itself, but this past weekend it is further embellished by the festival that includes locally produced foodstuffs, crafts, wine, and of course fabulous tomatoes. To boot, the day was a beautiful sunny day with bright blue skies and white clouds.  Just for me.