Thursday 11 October 2018

Southwest France Walks: L'Oisellerie

L'Oisellerie, dating from the 16th century, once a falconry connected with an abbey, and at present, associated with an agricultural school with its own vineyards and wind turbines, is just a ten-minute drive south of us. We tramped across its grounds, past long, low, sealed bags crammed full of composting manure, until we reached our path as forested land with many trails abound nearby. First sight to greet us was a carpet of Virginia creeper.


Forests are splendid for many reasons, and one of the top ones is how they filter sunlight, like highlights on a painting.


At  times the landscape resembles a Chinese ink painting . . .


. . . or a baroque, pastoral scene.


With my imagination, it was easy to think this could be an exposed grave from medieval times instead of the breeze-block deeply ground into the soil that it is.


The artistic perspective suddenly can change to the realistic.


'Tis the season!


Tree trunks, dark and immovable, contribute a brooding kind of charm.


Ah, a rustic fence!


The former falconry itself is where various exhibits for young people, usually comprising scientific (The Calm One contributed to one on computers) or historical content are held. Two staff recognised him, and we were invited to explore the in-progress exhibit/interactive areas and have a nice chat. At present, one room was set up with digital easels and another with the traditional ones. Upon our departure, as we were driving through the grounds, we passed by a group of students who was standing around a vineyard. One young woman excitingly pointed to our electric car and those of the next generation approvingly hailed us.


À la prochaine!

RELATED LINKS

L'Oisellerie
Agricultural school