Amsterdam comes to Amboise

On the outskirts of Amboise is a field where tulips are grown by the Rotary Club to raise money for community service.  I luckily managed to capture them just before they were harvested a few hours later.

sunset on the tulips

Their show is over for this year, but they had quite the run.

(No tulip was injured in the making of this shot.  I was lucky to find it this way, flaps down, staring into the sunset.)

tulip town

The tulips have been magnificent this year.  Maybe they're trying to compensate for the long winter.  In any case, the town's public flower beds are awash in many different colors and varieties.  Much to the delight of the many tourists... and photographers.

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.

All right, Mr DeVilleD'Amboise, I'm ready for my close-up

the tulip parade - le défilé des tulipes

It was a gorgeous day in Amboise yesterday.  And these tulips on top of the levee were happily catching some rays.

three tulips and a daffodil

(The name of my next movie.)  Anyway, even though these jewels are gone now, I just had to post one more wave of color on this Easter Sunday.

ten-lips

Oh it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood yesterday, and the flowers planted by the town of Amboise were in full swing.  Last year, it wasn't until May as you can see here (and you can also read why Amboise is a "ville fleurie").