It was after a long day that we saw the sign for Chéméré-le-Roi on our way home. Just as we came around a curve, we saw an attractive Romanesque bell tower facing us. Even though it was late we could not miss the chance to stop and look around. We were happy we did because we discovered yet one more picturesque village. Chéméré-le-Roi was the site of the royal court of justice for the area north of the Loire known as Maine.
As we approached the church we saw a large, rectangular stone building with an arcaded facade. It was built as a residence for a couple who married in 1482, Hector de Cervon and his wife Olive de Thevalles. The facade overlooking the square is supported by five pillars forming four arches of a granite-like stone.
In the 15th c this was one of several buildings with arcades framing the small cemetery in the center of the square.
Thinking we had seen the whole village, we walked a bit and found the laundry facility or "lavoir" where women would have washed clothes. The lavoir was beautifully decorated with flowers.
A three-sided box left on the platform was a touch of authenticity that intended to help visitors imagine how the laundry was done. Since Eliane was familiar with the technique, having learned from her mother and grandmother, she demonstrated for me.
She was delighted to show me and I was delighted to witness the experience.
Eliane had not known anything about Chéméré-le-Roi; she was delighted to have made a discovery.
No comments:
Post a Comment