Day trip to Saumur yesterday, beautiful weather all day, mid 80's with light breeze. The town's Chateau de Saumur is rumored to be one of the castles used for inspiration for Disney's Cinderella's Castle, unable to confirm that report with further research - but the castle sure looks familiar if you've ever been to Disneyland. This castle is just a few centuries older.
Saumur was also the assigned city for France's Cavalry - predating Napoleon, and the city remains the headquarters of the French Cavalry School, as well as regarded as the nation's center of horsemanship and all things equine. The photo on right is a partial shot of the classrooms to the north of the school. Several indoor and outdoor riding areas also surround the school.
The photo below, left is of one of the jogging tracks surrounding each side of the school, a soft sand/dirt track allows for excellent footing for which to cool down the hoses after exercise.
Jade Dalleau, jounalist, notes:
"Famed throughout the world, the Cadre Noir (Black Squad) of Saumur is the keeper of an equestrian tradition that is an integral part of France’s cultural heritage. Its most noble mission: teaching."
6 comments:
The painting is BEAUTIFUL!
Very nice work, John. Marty, glad to see that you got your "Goodwill fix" the other day. Enjoy-
Kim
Just wanted to say hello. Love the pictures and paintings. Chris
Beautiful pictures - both photographic and fine art! Gorgeous.
Hey, what's the label say on your favorite wine?
Hey Martha! ....guess who? Beutiful Painting John! ...miss you guys at bfast in the Hamptons on fridays. tried email...couldn't get thru. finally figured this blog thing...with ali's help. really enjoying reading your blog and pics! awesome place to be. miss you at work also Chonnee...ali is working with us for the summer..hope you don't mind her using your desk. well gotta go to bed. i'm beat...putting in a brick patio for Ali's Grad party.
See ya!
Beautiful painting John, great pictures! It sounds like you are both keeping busy.
Later,
Charlene
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