.JPG)
Clearly, nobody is home
My best friend pointed out early on that I was "one of those people who liked to stick my nose up against windows of abandoned buildings."
I plead guilty. Nothing architectural gets my juices flowing like a good abandoned building, whether it be in the countryside or in the city; in the US or in France.
A few curtains are still up, which adds to the sense of mystery
Most every village church I have seen in France has a presbytère nearby.
Sometimes it is totally separate from the church, walled off with a lovely yard, as is the case in my own village, Gages.
Other times, it is across the street, or even a little ways down the road.
Unfortunately for its real estate future, Bertholène's is joined to the church at the hip by a short stone wall.
With plunging mass attendance and a shortage of priests, few, if any, village presbyteries in my area are inhabited by anyone connected to the church. But many are sold as private homes, and they do make lovely ones.
.JPG)
Who was the last person to knock on this door?
11 comments:
Bonjour - you have rekindled my love of all things French - I look forward to your future postings! Bonne Chance - M
The door and the question in the caption provoke many thoughts.
hi Betty: you're right on the cusp; I've now seen several people dusting off their blogs and rolling back the blinds. I shall be doing the same.
Blue-eyed: wonderful, and there's more to come!
Sue: I also wondered what will become of this building. I could actually probably find out somehow...
tut-tut. TUT-TUT! How exciting! I almost contacted you about starting your blog again but figured it has to be the right time for you. I didn't realize I was part of a trend...
Preuilly's presbytery is joined to the church at the back. It looks rather nice but is tucked away in a walled yard so I've never got to press my nose against the window. Besides, I have a feeling the priest still lives there.
What a shame about the castle. I love visiting ruined castles as do my boys and we've been right around the local area to explore the ones nearby. :)
Ah yes I'm also a sucker for abandoned buildings. Many a times I've ended up with a grubby nose from having it pressed up to an old window of an empty building :)
I am enjoying your wonderful blog. The church building is fascinating. Good luck in finding out more! Lorac
Susan -- Probably best to stay away for now then!
Sarah -- The closing down may just be a seasonal thing. There is not a lot of winter tourism in Aveyron, even at some of the major sites.
Debs -- Thanks for visiting! What is it about this abandoned building fascination...?
Lorac...Glad your comment came through!
Such a shame to leave a fine house mouldering like this. In the UK former rectories and vicarages are considered highly desirable residences and can fetch large sums when restored.
Perpetua -- Wow, I am really behind in answering comments!
These buildings are desirable residencies here too, but some are inconveninently located. I think this may be one of them -- it is really stuck right between the church and a huge parking lot for the castle.
Post a Comment