Deep in the heart of the mountains of France lies a village steeped in medieval lore. It is a little place; a tourist destination, yet so small it might be overlooked. Come with me now on a tour of this village.
We will start at the castle as it is the first thing that catches your eye when you arrive.
This castle is the main attraction. There are reenactors dressed as knights, minstrels, and even a king. Tours are given of the castle and there is even a gift shop where you can purchase fake but realistic weaponry. (The castle was designed and built by Nephew 1, Nephew 5, and myself.)
To the side of the castle and down the cliff sits the first cabin. I'm not sure if, Benjamin, the man in the tree was trimming it or taking a dare. And why is there a man doing pushups on the roof? I'm not sure on that.
This is Kailyn's home. She seems to have some visitors. And look, there is a cat on the roof!
This is my house. Cute, isn't it? I built it, and here I live with my dog, Archie, my horse, and some chickens. Come and visit me when you get the chance!
Just a man with his snowman.
If you look back into the woods, you will see a man practicing his archery new a smaller castle.
The cobblestone streets are for non motorized vehicles unless you are unloading your things at the inn. So you will find horses, cattle, and other animals roaming the streets. But what is happening near the castle?
Wow! It looks like this quiet, little village does get some excitement after all! The police are taking down a robber! Did he steal from the castle? Or from one of the shops? I hope the police aren't hurt in this take down!
Next comes the village blacksmith. I believe he is working on a sward. And yes, I did say that animals roamed the streets, didn't I? Here we have quite the herd of pigs. And even two sheep. Perhaps the smithy has tossed some food out for them.
Here's the flour mill. Not much going on here. At least not from this angle.
But if you look to your right a little you will find Thomas and Lucas with their herd of cattle coming down the street. It's quite the sight to see cattle wandering down the road.
In fact, it's such a novel thing, that Grant, his wife, and Kinsley, who just recently moved to the village to set up their candy shop, all came out to watch.
Are you a Hallmark movie lover? This couple is! The man is trying to make it as much like a Hallmark movie as he can when he proposes to his girl. You can't see it, but there is a man on the roof of the inn with a portable radio playing music for the proposal. All that is missing is the falling snow.
I mentioned that the only motorized vehicles are when you unload at the inn as these two collage fellows are doing. Hey, look, there is a bonfire going on beside the inn. A great place to warm up.
Beside the inn is a small alleyway. Situated with tables and chairs, you can order your food from Tiny Bear's Café and eat outside. Just don't share your food with the chickens.
Here's the front of the café. It's it cute? Don't you want to go enjoy a meal there? I wonder what sort of foods they serve. I'm not sure they'll have pizza, though I have heard stories of some people smuggling Italian pizza into the village. I'm not sure how much of what I hear is true.
Next is the village clock tower! It's an imposing structure, but apparently it is being repaired right now. If you look closely you can see men at work. That doesn't seem to stop the visiting though!
Nor the sale of hot drinks and sausages. Hungry? It sure smells good!
Oh, they are cooking them right here! No wonder if smells so good!
Next we have the village park. Or do they call it a green? I'm not sure. There's another snowman. I wonder if those two men built it or if they are just taking a break. It appears that one of them has been shopping at the castle.
There is even a horse drawn sleigh you can sit in and get your picture taken as these kids are doing. I don't know if he gives rides or if it's just for photos. You can ask him if you want.
We have a long walk before us now as we are heading out of the village and into the mountains.
Near the mill is the lodge. It looks pretty quiet right now. Oh, look, a deer is looking around from the back. Can you see him? Be careful though because there is a pretty big cliff near the lodge.
Here is the home of the police captain. I suppose he must be off today since he's not in town catching that thief. He and his wife have a lovely place.
This cheery, yellow house was built by Nephews 4 and 5. Isn't it cute? It looks like they are receiving some boxes today!
And last of all we have the Sherlock Holmes Hotel. It's a pleasant place to stay with a small place to dine on the lowest level. You may notice the carriage beside it, that's because no cars are allowed nearby. You park and then either tramp through the snow, or ride in the carriage to reach your destination. The driver will also take you to the village if you want.
And that brings our tour to an end. What do you think? Have I convinced you to take a trip to our little village? Would you be staying at the hotel or the inn?
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