Following the Cave Simoneau stop we headed to Fougeres-ser-Bievre where we came upon an ancient chateau. Unfortunately, it was closed so photo shots were rather limited. However, it was lunch time so we were determined to eat the local cuisine. Only one restaurant was open so the choice was easy. Tentative entry through the doors into the restaurant nearly had our small group make a hasty exit. The decor was interesting to say the least. Quaint is not the correct term to describe the interior nor is the term unusual for neither quite reflect our impressions. Old, traditional perh
aps, dated, antiquated, hmmm, homely. None of these suffice. There were home grown tapestries on the walls some depicting dolphins, sea captains, and a lady who had a bird in her hair sitting with a cat. Lots more but too many to describe here in great length. Tables were dressed in floral tablecloths of mauve, yellow and pink hues. Whereas the linen napkins were brown with yellow geometric stitched patterns on one side. We decided against all reason to stay for lunch. The menu was most impressive with offerings of fifty or more choices. Yet
when ordering we were advised that they were unavailable today. After a number of unsuccessful attempts we realised that the specials of the day were the only options actually available. Today was my day! My salade turned out to be the best choice on the menu. I can't disclose its name but it came with lots of lettuce, walnuts, goat's cheese, toast, jambon, tomato and dressing. I'll not reveal what the others ordered as you may wish to discover this restaurant for your
self. Some days you just get lucky. By the way. Please don't ask Kirstie about her lunch on this occasion as she is still in therapy. I suggest that the reader double clicks on the shot of the interior to see a full screen image so as to best understand this dining event.
Salad Nicoise for me and possibly even healthy. We sat eating lunch at a little cafe close to the Pompidou Centre as we had wanted to maximise our time once inside the galleries. The Paris Pass allowed us to enter without queuing once again. Yay! Good investment. Works dating from 1905 - 2010 dominated the two floors that we visited. Each floor and wall space was absolutely crammed with remarkable modern art, paintings, spectacular optical illusions, sculptures, everything Picasso, video texts and so much more. Hours later a little foot sore the four of us headed for the gallery's cafe for a cool 
drink.
As we were sitting in the elevated cafe we became aware of live, contemporary, movement art being played out below us. Naked cavorting people attracted a gallery of surprised spectators. A must see place for those who may usually shy away from the traditional museums or galleries. Take a very close look at some of the exhibits as some of the finer details will amaze. On a clear day the views from the upstairs galleries provide good camera opportunities too.
Why have I posted a picture of Singapore Airport when I am writing about CDG? Read on. Left the hotel at 8:30 and felt buoyant that we were headed homewards. I had not expected that Charles de Gaulle would be so very, very ordinary. Passport was shown to enter the line to join the check i
n queue. It was shown again to another person part way along that line and next at the actual check in desk. Singapore airlines is swift and pleasant in its service delivery. Considered shopping as we still had a few hours before our flight. Hmmm. What made me think that shopping opportunities would match those found in other International Airports that we have visited? Mistake number one for the day. Breakfast, second mistake of the day. We had not had breakfast at the beautiful Radisson as we thought it would be one way of spending some of the time we had prior to departure. Kiosk on one floor was shared by workmen grinding and or welding. The fumes throughout the area were overwhelming so just a quick coffee and croissant. Search for a quieter space. Third mistake of the day. Okay. three strikes and you are out or so I presumed. So off to security check. Shoes off, watch off, camera and laptop removed from bags. I pipped the security lights. Why? Not really sure. I was pad searched twice and asked to show under my shirt. It gets worse as the pad search officer then decided to pull at the waistband of my jeans and peer down. So public; more than slightly uncomfortable. She was so efficient in exposing and padding every private space on my body and she then just walked away. Was I her day's entertainment? She had done this to many others in the line and left them similarly vulnerable. I was left standing bewildered while she walked away. If you have a choice of airport I would not recommend Charles de Gaulle for its many interesting characteristics. Happy traveller????? Just passed through security at Singapore airport and had no unpleasant padding down, no invasions of privacy in a public space. Congratulations Singapore Airport! See the picture. Calm, quiet and orderly. Thank you.
Goodbye, France. We are in the home stretch. It was minus one degree in Fontainebleau this morning. A brisk walk through the garden and grounds of the chateau we didn't even raise a sweat before departing from our hotel. After battling traffic and long waits in merge lanes we arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport just before midday. Two hours to travel fifty kilometres. Queues to enter last minute service stations were so long that it was not wise to even consider joining them so we left the rental car in the parking lot. The tank has what is has. Our last memory of France will be 
positive! Keys checked. Taxi summoned and we were on our way to the Radisson Blu. Lunch in the restaurant, yes, great idea. I am sitting here reflecting on how much we have seen and learnt from our visit. France, its people and its deep history have enriched our lives. Tomorrow we will fly home. During our visit we were surprised that so many people thought us to be Italian. My command of Italian is so much worse than my appalling French so I am glad for Italy that I am Australian. My apologies to all Italians. If greeted with Bongornio we responded similarly and with a smile so as not to offend. Packing is almost complete. Flight will be long so I expect that the limo ride home may offer some time to cat nap.
Big day. Vita Weet biscuits that had travelled all the way with us from Australia were carefully placed in a fancy carry bag hoping that they would not be a box of crumbs after their long flight from OZ, their trip to Paris and then Saint Aignan. For good measure we packed them with some chocolates that we'd purchased on a recent day's outing. Prueilly punched into Navman. I could sense the nervous excitement. All of us were to meet, for the first time, our fellow bloggers, Susan and Simon, who write Days on the Claise. Fortunately, the j
ourney there was uneventful and we travelled through some pretty rural landscapes. Our lunch appointment was for 12:00 but we arrived much earlier due to the Saint Aignan market schedule. We took the opportunity to explore the village. In the village there was a church erected to celebrate the millennium; the 1000 millennium. It was how shall I say, 'old?' Construction completed in 1009 according to the dated stone on the facade. Architecture of this church was simple yet impressive in both its size and structure given its ancient construction techniques. The village nestles comfortably on either side of the river where we enjoyed seeing the ever so subtle hints of Autumn in the trees. Our meeting with Simon and Susan was a highlight of the day as was the ride in Celestine Citroen. Over a fine lunch in a local restaurant we became really well acquainted with Susan and Simon who afterwards treated us to a tour of their home renovations. What a design and major undertaking! The pictures posted on their blog and the accompanying
text did provide insight into the project but seeing it for oneself allowed us all to appreciate the history of the site and the many difficulties encountered when one tackles such work. The skylight in the ceiling in the upstairs bathroom demonstrates the creativity that they bring to the project whilst maintaining faith with original features and fixtures. I commend their energy and patience and wish them well. We would loved to have stayed longer but we had to travel back to our hotel in Blois in order to retrieve Stephen's passport from the Kate and Chris who had returned to Paris.
