The Loir bifurcates at Vendôme and the neat, pretty old centre is built on what is in effect a series of islands in between the two main channels.
Vendôme suffered a major bombardment in June '44 that destroyed a chunk of the old centre (the target presumably having been the bridges). But a great deal remains. Here is the building housing the Hotel de Ville, dating from the mid 17th century. For many years it was a school, which Balzac attended.
Finally, a couple of photos for the lepidopterists, taken in a meadow alongside a tributary of the Loir on my way into Vendôme. I have convinced myself that the first is a Heath Fritillary and that the second is Granville Fritillary, both of which one would be lucky to see in England. But I'm happy to be corrected!
'In diving to the bottom of pleasure we bring up more gravel than pearls.' Honore de Balzac...so here's to just skimming the surface, seize the day, enjoy the open road and remember that 'All happiness depends on courage and work' .
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I think you are right about the butterflies - how lovely to have seen them. I have seen map butterflies from time to time in our garden in Brittany. It would be interesting to see if you come across any, Harriet P
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