BERZE LE CHATEL

Today we went to visit an ancient chateau, Berze le Chatel.  This castle has been on this hilltop since 966!  We had a nice guided tour by a Maconnais girl who spoke very good English because her father is English.

The castle is still the residence of the family of the Count of Milly, although their family has only lived here for 200 years.  But, the castle has a long history.  It was erected to protect the abbey at Cluny and is a true fortress style chateau.  There are 3 walls the enemy had to get through before getting to the main building.  There are murder holes where hot oil or stones can be dropped  on invaders, and doors with huge nails poking out of them and loopholes for arrows to be launched from.  The castle was an important defense during the 100 Year's War.

We toured the grounds and the battlements and the ancient chapel while the guide pointed out the protective features of the fortress.  The family was in residence and we saw them getting into their limousines in the courtyard.  They had a cute little redheaded girl who could have been Brendan's sister.

The grounds are well kept and the exterior of the castle looks authentic and just like an ancient military fortress.  I am sure the interior has been modernized and is quite liveable in the 21st century but it was easy to get the feel  of medieval life.

After leaving the chateau and stopping for a short look at the church, we strolled down the roads through medieval stone buildings that are real people's houses.  Grandpa went back to get the car and GG and the kids continued walking down the road to the Voie Verte, the nice bike path along an old railroad right-of-way.  By the time we got to the bottom of the hill the sky had opened up and it was pouring, so we stood under a tree until Grandpa arrived with our rain ponchos.

Of course, just as soon as we opened up the packages and put on our ponchos the rain stopped and we walked along to the tunnel, which at 1602 meters is the longest bike tunnel in France, and then we went into the tunnel for a bit, just to experience it.  GG and Grandpa bicycled this tunnel in 2012 when they stayed in St Point.

The following day GG said the kids had been too patient with all of the museums, chateaux, and ancient points of interest, so she declared a day off, a free day to just relax, play and have fun.  

Here is what everyone did: