An invigorating cycle on a mild, sunny Sunday.
The route takes us along the river on a narrow country lane bordering the expansive horticultural land that is typical of the Lot et Garonne.
On previous occasions we noticed this abandoned Chateau, set back off the road, about 200 metres from the river.
It is such an imposing, romantic structure I can't resist but investigate.
Two large towers at the front connect to the main part of the house. You can close your eyes and hear the sound of a horse-drawn cab carrying members of an aristocratic family up the long driveway.
Tall iron gates bar the way into the Chateau proper, but a curious visitor can get up quite close. I walked around the perimeter and saw, through a dirty window, the curve of a grand staircase.
You can imagine exquisitely-dressed women descending these stairs with grace and poise.
You can picture men in full-bottom wigs occupying these many rooms, filled with Louis XV furniture.
Now, this grand residence, bearing maudlin witness to a finer age, sits mouldering and empty.
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