Finding Karma in Pierrefonds, France
In a past post, I used these photos and realized that these photos were taken in Pierrefonds, France and not Lyons; trust me, only a knucklehead would confuse the two places. I wasn’t L’yon, my bad!
I visited France recently and regret not having gone to the area where my Grandfather was stationed during WWI. It is a travel regret that I have been thinking about lately while watching world leaders gather to pay homage to our soldiers. I have been thinking about doing just that and getting back to this fairy-tale town, A.S.A.P.
How I “found” Pierrefonds.
My visit to Pierrefonds should never have happened. En route to Paris, from Northern France, I was just not ready to be in a city, I absolutely loved driving through the Compiegne Forest and was wishing that I had more time to stop and play in the imagination provoking forest.
I really wanted to stay right there in that forest. I remember cringing at the thought of going to a large city and dreaded that this peaceful forest would soon be in my rear view mirror.
Karma intervened, I “needed” a Diet Coke and I spied this town as I left the forest.
Although it was the diet coke craving that brought me to town, Karma gave took my breath away.
I loved this spot. I will stay in Pierrefonds when I return to this area of France. It was if a magnet pulled me in with every curve of the road.
I fell in love with the architecture, the rooflines, the stone, and tile.
And the awe-inspiring views
I kept wondering how many places I pass up while on the road to something else.
I have a thing for stone, so this street is pretty much where I want to set up camp. My time was limited but I mean, how can you not poke around this place?
the stone and craftsmanship
The colors of French homes
And then, I took this turn and saw “that castle.” I have maybe seen too many castles in my life but this one was different. I didn’t know that it was there until it beckoned me.
I took a million photos both near and far.
It is difficult to describe the enormity of this castle and its state of good repair.
I think the thing that I can’t shake about this castle is the grounds, the wooded land, the old stones, and doorways.
With each turn, I wanted to see more.
The castle was out of this world but it was the grounds that really made me stop dead in my tracks and imagine.
I wanted to see more of this place that captured my imagination. A place that has had to inspire movies, books, and artwork. A place that I would want to sit down above or below this picturesque town, and into it’s surrounding forest, and just sit and stay for a good while. I had to wonder how many places have I passed like this? Was it karma that I stopped or simply a diet coke craving?
Are travel regrets mistakes, or, are they a signpost to places of the soul?
Thanks to my Mom and her family who have inspired me to travel and consider life.
And Grandfather – never forget!
Meg