Potters Bar Town Twinning Assocaition

Twinned with Viernheim & Franconville

Fontainebleau 31st March – 2nd April 2006

This was a super weekend organised by Rencontres, the highlight being the tour of the famous and amazing chateau, the site of many dramatic events in French history. We met the coach at the swimming pool for the 90 minute trip across Paris, for large parts underground, and arrived in Fontainebleau in the spring sunshine. The chateau is stunning from every angle, but the main courtyard with the famous horseshoe staircase leading up to the main entrance is breathtaking, as are the extensive formal gardens, Diana’s garden, to the Goddess Diana, the English garden and the grand parterre.

Although much of the furniture and furnishings were lost in the revolution (probably to end up in England) much remains having survived the subsequent upheavals. Our fascinating audio guide led us through the sumptuous royal chambers and apartments leaving us wishing we had taken more notice of French history at school as reference was made to events and lives of French kings down the ages and to Napoleon himself.

We were treated to lunch in a delightful restaurant near to the chateau and then taken to a chocolate factory which also produced a syrup and a cordial from poppies. This poppy flavour also appeared in sweets and makes a refreshing kir. Needless to say, everyone was carrying a bag of goodies when we rejoined the coach.

In the evening a formal dinner was served in member’s homes, ours with Laure and Sauver Torremocha. We were glad of the walk across Franconville for the exercise, before eating again.

Our thanks go to Laure and Monique for arranging a super visit and for looking after us so well.

By Chris & Theresa Dawes