Beaugency

 Beaugency... a lovely

village situated on the banks of the Loire river just 15 minutes from us, dates from the
Middle Ages when the Lords of Beaugency played an important part in French history. 

It was here in the 12th century that a special Papal Council annuled the marriage between Eléanor de Aquitaine (one of my most preferred French personalities) and Louis VII.  Among other interesting and unusual facets of her life; she accompanied her first husband Louis V11 on his Middle Age crusades. Something no other "lady" had done before. To shorten a long and very interesting story, Eleanor quickly tired of her boring French husband and fell in love with Henri Platagentet. It was here at Beaugency that the papal council took place to annule her marriage with Louis which would enable her to marry Henri.

During the 100 years war Beaugency was captured by the English numerous times.  In 1429 the English gave up Beaugency to Joan of Arc who then latter battled the English in Orleans.

Beaugency was bombed twice during World War II and it was on the bridge that the German General Elster surrendered his troops to US General Macon on September 14, 1944.

                                                                            Rising over 36 meters in height with a commanding view of the Loire river and its surroundings the Tower Cesar is the last vestige of a castle built in the XI century by the Lords of Beaugency and where Dunois (The same that accompanied Joan of Arc on her crusade against the English) chose to construct the present castle.

 The first Abby  dating from the 12th century was destroyed by a fire in the 16th. Rebuilt in the 17th century the Beaugency Abby was inhabit by the Chanoine for over 800 years or just into the  first part of the 20th century when it was converted into  a hotel de luxe.

Other sights to see:

 Saint Firmin Bell Tower is the last Roman vestige dating from the XI century.

Saturdays there is the village market. And, as in many of the French villages,  is a noisy, colorful and enriching visit.  After the market be sure to lunch in one of the many Beaugency restaurants.