deserted

Walking around the streets of Amboise yesterday was a bit surreal.  It was the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci at his home Clos Lucé here.  His tomb is in the little chapel you can see in the background on the grounds of the château.  The presidents of both France and Italy came for the commemoration ceremonies.  So due to security concerns, the entire central area of the town was closed to traffic and parking.  And the routes taken by the presidents were even closed to pedestrians.  As a result, Amboise became a ghost town for much of the day in spite of this once in lifetime event.  Shops and restaurants were closed and everyone stayed home.  I find it sad that these days even a small town cannot get together to celebrate, participate in a foot race, or be able to see our elected officials without being overwhelmed by fears of terrorism.

snow removal

This is how snow gets removed in Amboise.  Not to worry about the cold too much though (note the green sign) since temperatures here are on the Centigrade scale.

this just in, it's still winter

This shot taken before the holiday decoration were taken down from rue Nationale sums up the winter here so far:  long nights, lots of rain, low (for Amboise) temperatures.

the banners are back

The beautiful banners are back flying over the main pedestrian shopping street rue Nationale in Amboise.

the electrical supply shop

This little shop on Amboise's main pedestrian shopping street, rue Nationale, is no longer in business.  One day I hope to learn the story of the nice man who was running the shop when we first moved here.  I was amazed to see that he was still competing with the big box stores for the sale of common electrical supplies (although he may also have been an electrician).  I'm hoping he just decided it was time to join me in retirement.

the buskers

Here are two of the street musicians that entertained during the recent "Day of the artists".

la Journée des artistes

I'm posting a little later than usual today because this is one of those rare occasions where I am actually posting a photo on the same day I took it.  All around town, 100 artists and artisans have setup their sidewalk booths to show and sell their handiwork.  It seems even more festive to me this year because of the colorful banners that have been installed overhead on rue Nationale.  Then, throw in some street musicians, the regular boutiques, the usual Saturday wedding groups and you have a town-sized street party.  And thankfully the weather is perfect for it.

flying high over rue Nationale

Recently, 22 of these fantastic colorful banners were installed over the length of  rue Nationale.  They not only welcome the tourists to stroll the length of this pedestrian street but also add to the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the coronation of François I in 1515.  They look wonderful fluttering in the breeze,  Even their shadows add interest to the overall effect.

les soldes d'hiver - the winter sales

As it is said in the States, "everything must go"!

We're now in the winter sale period in France which lasts about five weeks.  There is also a summer sale period.  Unlike in the States, there are certain rules regarding sales.  Theoretically, shop sales are limited to these two periods.  And their exact dates are set by local authorities.  So it's a bit different than in the States but no less feverish.

The shop in the photo is a men's shop on the main pedestrian shopping street in Amboise, rue Nationale.

rue Nationale sous la niege

No.  No snow in Amboise today but there is where I am now (near Washington DC).  So I could not resist posting this photo taken in Amboise three years ago on the main shopping street.  That's chapelle Saint-Hubert in the background.

long cold nights

This just in: it's still winter.

the countdown continues

If you can remember all the way back to Tuesday, this is how that same street looked a year later (last year).  Alas, no snow but I think the town did a nice job with the lights.  Only one week to go.  Are you ready?

rue Nationale

Rue Nationale is the Main street of Amboise.  During most of the day it is blocked from traffic and is a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants.  From this vantage point, one can see the chapelle St-Hubert on the grounds of the château.

cold night on rue Nationale

Tonight it doesn't feel like we're a week away from Spring.  This photo reflects the feeling I have on this day where we had heavy overcast, a high of  0°C/32°F, a bitter wind, and snow flurries.

the bell tower

Here is another landmark of Amboise, the bell tower which straddles rue Nationale, our "Main Street".  During the day, the street is closed to traffic so the pedestrians can peacefully enjoy all the shops which cater not only to the locals but also to the throngs of tourists.