Feeling a little like Odysseus who had a long return journey, we arrived back in France via the scenic route. The war in Iran affected our trip so we had to change to a route via South Africa and London before arriving in Ambourville.

Flying over the Channel there was a period of clear sky and at one point I could see both the English coast behind us and the French coast ahead! Proving just how close the counties are to each other. It also made me think of my grandfather who must have flown similar routes in WWII as he went on bombing raids in his Lancaster. Although I am sure he was not as comfortable as I was in the plane. We flew directly over Dieppe and almost over the farmhouse!

It was a glorious spring day and we decided to make the most of it. Before arriving at the house we stopped off at a chateau.

We walked up the steep hill where the chateau stood on a very high limestone cliff.

Built in the record time of two years, the Chateau de Gaillard was built by Richard the Lionhart in 1198. He was both King of England and Duke of Normandy and had a bit of an on-and-off friendship with Phillip Auguste, King of France. The chateau or really, fort, has the most amazing view of the river Seine and far beyond.

Shortly after Richard died Philippe Auguste decided he really wanted to have the chateau and he set siege to it. Finally in 1204 he won the castle and then the duchy of Normandy became part of France.

One reason I was interested in this castle is because of the story of Marguerite and Blanche de Bourgogne who were imprisoned here in 1314. I read a history of the early kings of France given to me by my friend Estelle « Les rois maudits » ( The accursed kings) which tells their story. Accused of adultery they were imprisoned even though Marguerite became Queen of France by her marriage and she eventually died at Chateau Gaillard.

We finished the day with a little walk at La Bouille under lots of trees in blossom.