Fontevraud Abbey

On our last day in the Loire Valley, we thought a history lesson was in order, so we got up early and were the first visitors at 

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

The effigies of King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine,

Richard the Lionheart and Isabelle of Angouleme
were at the center of the Abbey

 Note that Henry has a sceptre in his hand and Eleanor has a book, as she wanted everyone to know how educated and scholarly she was.

You can see where the ravages of time 

have chipped away at the frescos 

The cloister was very elegant and serene

 If the walls could only talk.
The Abbey had been used over the years as a prison,
 where the life was very harsh.

Walking around the Abbey showed the fantastic architecture

Dinner was a home cooked chicken, veg & potato,
paired with a gift from Andy, a Pouilly-Fume!

The last step of the north/south journey ends tomorrow
....on our way to Laguepie