Saturday, January 31, 2015

Friday, January 30, 2015

architectural candy


There are several little architectural elements of this home in Amboise that I think are just "delicious".  Especially, the two little quatrefoil windows.  I'll bet the designer really enjoyed creating this one.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

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.


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

architectural ornamentation


This stunning ornamentation can be found on a home across the river from downtown Amboise.  I was lucky to catch it just when a beam of sunlight arrived to light up the face.  This only partially makes up for all those moments I just missed !


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

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.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Loches from above


Here's a shot from the tall fortified tower (le donjon) at Loches.  The spires are those of the collegiate church of Saint-Ours,

Saturday, January 24, 2015

gray day at Chambord


This is one of the largest châteaux in the Loire valley.  I think it looks impressive no matter what the weather.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Thursday, January 22, 2015

les brocantes


Brocantes are where you can buy second hand "stuff".  Often they are one day events held in different public locations but there are also stores like this one that are open year round.  They are so much fun to go to even if you don't buy anything.  It's like a trip back in time to see old furniture, toys, kitchenware, etc. from times past.  This place has an exceptional collection of kids' pedal cars.

Here is link to some of my photos of  one day, outdoor brocantes.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

winter market


The fog and cold of winter doesn't prevent the Friday and Sunday markets from continuing as usual.

Monday, January 19, 2015

the old factory


This old factory is no longer in use but I like its classic look.  I don't know what the "CAT" stands for.  It was a difficult photo op because I couldn't get far enough away to get it in one shot, so I had to "sew" two (portrait) photos together.  (And not to mention adjusting for the distortion of shooting "up".)

Sunday, January 18, 2015

les vitraux de la chapelle Saint-Hubert


Here is one of several wonderful stained glass windows in the chapel where Leonardo DaVinci is believed to be entombed.  It is also the source of the color on the walls in last Sunday's post.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

flashback to fall


Here's a little break from the grayness of winter*.  These fall flowers adorned a window of the hôtel de ville last September.  The setting sun was happy to lend a nice warm glow to the scene.

*for all my northern hemisphere friends

Friday, January 16, 2015

l'héron cendré


I caught this grey heron on the banks of the Loire near my house as he was looking for lunch.  I was very lucky to catch him as they generally fly away well before I can get close enough to get a snap.  He must have been really focused on his appetizer.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

mottled marble


This beautifully carved marble supports a fireplace mantel at château Chambord.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

the former florist


I don't know how long this florist shop has been closed, but I'm judging that it's been awhile as it looks like the facade had been covered with vines.  Hence the "speckled" look.  In any case, I like those art deco letters.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

inside the chapel


This is the chapel Saint Hubert on the grounds of the château at Amboise.  Another day I'll show you the window that splashed these colors on the wall.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

paella anyone ?


It may be winter but the Friday and Sunday markets continue in Amboise.  And it's the perfect time for hot paella.  And, yes, this pan is as big as it looks!


Friday, January 9, 2015

l'hôtel Joyeuse - un détail


Here's a little detail that you might have missed in yesterday's post.  Do not trespass on this guy's turf.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

l'hôtel Joyeuse


This old residence was built around 1500.  For awhile it was used to house the Post Office museum, but that was later transferred to Paris.  The best I can observe now is that it is broken up into individual apartments.

The term "hôtel" is another one of those "false friends" for English speakers.  The English word means of course a big building for nightly stays by tourists, business people, etc.  But in French it can also mean a large public building (such as city hall) or a private mansion like this one.  So, don't go the hôtel de ville  (city hall) and ask for a room !


Wednesday, January 7, 2015

bridge abstraction


I found this peeling paint on a steel beam underneath the bridge Leclerc to be interesting in shapes and shades.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

a duck portrait


This little duck at Chenonceau seemed more than happy to pose for a portrait.

Monday, January 5, 2015

zombie Monday


Is this how you feel on the first Monday morning after the holidays?


Sunday, January 4, 2015

Saint-Denis sous la neige


More wishful thinking than actual snow in Amboise.  Maybe one day this winter my wish will come true.


Saturday, January 3, 2015

sunset number 30


If I have my labels correct this will be my 30th sunset photo since I started ADP.  Living next to the Loire with a view towards the west is a good thing.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

City Daily Photo theme day for January - "photo of the year"


The first day of every month is theme day for the City Daily Photo bloggers.  Today the theme is "photo of the year".  I'm sure many of you are surprised I didn't select one of my many sunset shots, but for me this captures one of the many essences of life on the Loire river.  This egret was having a fine time hopping from one dinner plate to the next on this day back in April.  To see what the other CDP bloggers chose for their photos of the year click here.

Today, I'm also going to cheat a bit to make up for missing the December theme day "people in their workplace".  I did post one, but in the rush to leave for the States for the holidays, I forgot to also post it to the City Daily photo site.  So, a month late, for all you December theme day visitors, here it is on ADP.

Happy New Year everyone!