Spring in France - roses at their peak - sorry no photos of roses

Marigny can be termed a pretty well unspoiled Burgundian village.  Yes, there are the inevitable concrete boxes on the outskirts and the crumbling ruins that, by rights, should be turned into houses in the village centre, but there is a little shop with cafe attached, a school, and very few holiday properties.  It seems to be quite well populated by French people who live there.  The cafe has made absolutely no concessions to the fact that there may be tourists or boaters who are expecting something a bit more stylish, and quite right too. Everything inside is circa 1950 because it has been there since 1950.

The other thing Marigny has is a castle.  Yes, a Castle as opposed to a Chateau.  The distinction is made on the map with a small reclangular box as opposed to the usual curvy chateau label.

It is not open to the public, does not appear to be lived in, and you can walk right up to the front door to see the moat and drawbridge.  It has also featured in a number of films.   So remains a rather beautiful enigma.

Another fascinating place that we cycled to is the Chateau of Sainte Columbe de Auxois.  It is an ongoing renovation project, arts centre and gite complex.  The website states English German and Dutch spoken. Certainly not while we were there, but we got by, enjoyed a tea and coffee sans lait (they didn't have any milk) for one euro each.  The exhibition 'Voyages bleus, du jean a' l'indigo'

Sign outside the chateau