Monday, April 21, 2008

Chateau de Saint-Privat



Yesterday, along with thirty or so other brave (and waterproof) souls we attended a private viewing of Chateau de Saint-Privat near the Pont du Gard. It's not a very well publicised place and we didn't even know that it existed. The weather didn't put you in a very good mood. It was cold and wet and I didn't really expect to have to walk around the gardens. However, what was remarkable was its situation and access. To get to it you had to drive right under the Pont du Gard, which is closed to all traffic with the exception of visitors to this château, and follow the river beyond for about 2 kilometres.
Its history goes back to Roman times with the existing structure being started in the 8th century. So pretty old then! In order to avoid your eyes glazing over, I won't pretend that I know any more (so you can stop reading from a crib sheet - Ed) and suffice to say that if you want to visit a crumbling, part occupied, private piece of French history, with lots of historical significance then this is the place for you. In fact I'd say get there quick because it won't be long before a developer with about 20 million to spend gets in there and turns it all into a very posh hotel.

No comments: