The daily diary of a wandering restaurateur
December 3 - Around the Neighborhood
Our little hike down the canal only went as far as the nearest lock. Why? Because that is the only place you can cross over the canal! Bridges are few and far between, at least around Tanlay. Our house looks a little different from the other side of the canal. With the ducks in the reeds and the barges in operation, I can see that this spot would be really pleasant in the summertime.
Going up the hill, we found a great view spot that showed the chateau as well as part of the golf course on the grounds. Then in Tonnerre, we found a model of the chateau that shows how the main buildings are arranged. The building at the bottom of the photo is the gate house, which is what you see from the street in town.
La Fosse Dionne is a spring which comes from the Vaucluse Region. It has a varied but permanent flow. Tradition says the spring is bottomless. It is at least the result of a complex system of appearings and disappearings. The top cavern is about 75 feet deep, at which point the gallery narrows, then continues down for another 1000 feet. It is one of the most difficult French sources to explore because of it narrowings, clay whirlpools, strong flow and depth. I chose just to enjoy the view.
There is a pleasant B&B right next to the Fosse. I really liked the menu in their restaurant and was disappointed to learn that they only prepare meals for guests. The town itself has a relatively large commercial section but still maintains a bit of its ancient feel.
© 2005 Restaurant Doctor
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