Winter in Angers

At home in St Pierre en Vaux

Raveen returned to Anger after his Christmas holidays in India. These are some pictures sent by him of his home in St Pierre en Vaux with snow all around.

A tree in the front yard with branches stripped of all leaves
When we were there in summer, this area was lush green
Entrance to Raveen's Cave studio

The building is flanked on the left and rear by entrances to the caves that were in existence and in use till the 17th century.

France - St Pierre en Vaux

Enjoying a warm lazy afternoon with friends .

France - Artists

Richard has an art studio in one of the numerous caves that exist in the region. These caves were formed when mining was done in this region for the chalk stones which were used for building homes.

These caves run into thousands of kilometres and most are connected. In the early 18th century, a no of these caves were used as dwellings for people in this region.

Richards Cave Art Studio. Richards paintings can be seen on his website - http://www.artmajeur.com/?go=user_pages/display_all&login=chester

Entrance to the Cave Studio

Richard's other studio where he does his special prints

16th Century building where the studio is located

France - St Pierre en Vaux

The area arount St Pierre en Vaux is green , surrounded by trees and smells fresh

France - Loire Valley

The Loire Valley runs along the Loire river - the longest river in France. It is the largest wine growing area in France and the 2nd largest for Sparkling Wines.

A family run restaurant near St. Pierre en Vax where you can get some good wine and delicious food.

Views of the Landscape

Front of an old building in one of the villages

France - Saumur Wine

Saumur is a town in the Loire Valley on the Loire River. The Loire Valley in Centre West of France

is considered to be one of the most beautiful French Wine Regions. The region follows the Loire river, starting in the Auvergne and Massif Central and finishing in the Atlantic coast around Nantes city. The landscape of the region is undulated and scenic.

In Saumur, wine makers use caves carved out of the chalky soil of the hill sides to rest and mature the wines. It is estimated that the combined length of these caves extend to over 10,000 Kms.

A visit to one of these cave wineries is a must.

Saumur produces excellent sparkling wines. The chalky soil and caves gives this special quality.

Other wines produced here are the red , dry white and rose wines. Red wines are fruity and light.

Winery in the Saumur Area

Interior of one Cave Winery

Tasting Wine

France - Church Art Exhibition

9th August, 2008

France is a country that loves and appreciates art. Art exhibitions are held not only in big cities but also small remote villages. This local church was holding an art exhibition when we visted.

France - At home in St Pierre en Vaux

Village cottage in St Pierre where we stayed. Beutiful location with wide open spaces and

a forest at the rear.

France - At home in St Pierre en Vaux

8th August, 2008

Having a glass of Beer at the Angere Railway station

With Raveen and Elizebeth

France - TGV Station at Paris Airport

8th August, 2008

The train station at the Charles de Gaulle airport is within the airport premises itself and it is possible to get a train connection to most places from here. The TGV has an extensive and very efficient service. We caught the TGV to Angers which is comfortable 2 hours ride. This is a superfast train.

Train Station at CDG Airport, Paris

At the platform