Rochemenier and Saumur France, April 14, 2011
We determined to see the Troglodyte village of Rochemenier so left Nantes early with the Trogs on our mind and Alley Oop humming in our heads. Unfortunately, it didn't dawn on Ron and I, masters of the lost song or lyric, that Alley Oop wasn't by the Trogs at all, but by a group called the Hollywood Argyles. So much for mastery, huh?
Like most, until this trip, I thought Troglodytes were ancient cave dwellers who lived in neolithic times. Fact is it is anyone who lives in caves and they still exist. The settlement at Rochemenier dates from the mid-to-late 1700s with the last family leaving the underground buildings in the early 1900s.
 |
| An old church - above ground |
I bet this would bring a pretty price on Antiques Roadshow
I'm guessing this is either a pulpit from which the sermon was preached, or reserved for a high official?
We take stairs downward to enter the old town below ground.
In the shed carved into the earth, an old steam engine
 |
| The village in the early 1900s |
 |
| Millstone |
 |
| Winery storage (it is France, you know) |
Large, group meeting room.
Ron is seen taking one of his largest steps of the trip.
 |
| Religious chamber below the church above |
|
|
Some more of the beautiful and ubiquitous flowers of France.
 |
| Perhaps my favorite of my entire visit |
Leaving Rochemenier we venture west a few miles to Saumer seeking a cháteau and some food.
Cháteau Saumur
 |
| Overlooking the Loire |
In the restaurant next to the Cháteau
 |
| Three Salade de Gesier s-v-p |
On the chair to the left is my favorite hat, but you can't see it. You can see Ron's, but mine is camouflaged.
