Today was a little drive in the region of Issepts. We started out with a trip over to Assier to see the remnants of a Renaissance chateau, constructed by the Grand Ecuyer (minister) for Francois I in the early 1500's. All that is left is the west wing of what was once a chateau created around a large courtyard. It also had extensive lands that are now subdivided into surrounding farms.
The chateau itself has little furnishings but there was an exhibition descriptions of the duties and prerogatives of the Grand Ecuyer, such as he precedes the king in all major processions and had to plan the major processions. During the wars he was also the master of ordinance, so was charged with providing cannon, shot, and powder for the sieges and wars undertaken by Francois and directing the firing.
After viewing the chateau we decided we would go to Figeac to view the town and go to the Champollion Museum. Champollion was the gentleman credited with breaking the code of the Rosetta Stone and opening the way to interpretation of Egyptian Hieroglyphics. He was also instrumental in furthering the process of systematic archeology for Egypt. A very interesting museum but in truth if you can't read French very well, like me, the museum becomes one of looking at the exhibits without really figuring out the nuances of the explanations. Still there were some very interesting objects to be seen and we enjoyed the visit.
Afterwards we met Mar and Deb who were indulging in their afternoon Kir at a little restaurant before we went our separate ways to procure provisions for dinner.
On the way home we went through the small village of Cardaillac, which is a medieval village dating from around 700 during the reign of Pepin the Short, Charlemagne's father. It's very small and situated on a group of rocks up on the hillside overlooking a valley. A small quiet and lovely little burg. From there we drove back to our house and another enjoyable dinner with our hosts Mel and Mar.
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