Hi,
09.00 Dep by coach for Froville and then to Gerbéviller for lunch at a ferme-auberge seving local specialities, gardens and their castle.
(39 euros) 19.30 arr Metz
The area is very dry, so the shower of rain is most appreciated. The Massey Ferguson tractor is getting wet!
May God smile on you today,
Elizabeth
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The village of Frouville was founded by Benedictine monks (Brown Friars) in 1080 and the church dates from this time. In 1111 the man owning the land and village gave his property to the pope, in reparation for his sins. The pope put the monks in charge.
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Disputes about ownership continued until the pope ruled that it belonged to him. The church has been remodelled and rebuilt as time passed.
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The church became government property after the 1788 revolution, and was sold to a rich man. This monumental slab now placed on the wall, has lost it's colour, an artist has painted a possible colouring scheme.
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Monks were housed in the rooms behind the cloister, and this is now being reconstructed. About 1904 a rich American purchased the coloured glass windows, and these are now in a museum in New York. These houses are across the road from the church.
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Ionly found one old tombstone in front of the church, and it has dates 1831 and 1834 for children. The village signpost and church spire make an interesting picture.
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We were told that lunch would be at a farm at Gerbéviller. The farmhouse is on a narrow street. The Massey Ferguson tractor lent an air of authenticity, and the kitchen scene was reassuring.
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We then visited the chapel at Gerbéviller, where the architecture is distinctive.
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This very elaborate plate has names on the small lines radiating from the centre.
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This sun dial is at the entrance to the gardens.
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The gate is flanked by two trees - the name peg is not readable, trees have broad leaves and long been-like pods.
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Nymphee is the name of this garden ornament. John shows the figures are lifesized.
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Gerbéviller Castle was a big surprise - a lot of work has been done. These two buildings face across a courtyard.
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Castle design is a feature of the museum, and we admired the models of several examples.
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Aurelia explained very patiently, trying to use the correct words for her English-speaking audience. A group of young people are camped here and helping restoration work.
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