Limoges and Oradour-sur-Glane
Yesterday, 28 April 2010, we set off for Limoges, choosing to travel one of the scenic routes. We stopped along the way several times and one in particular will remain in memory, when we stopped at the village of Piegut-Pluviers. This was the most memorable market we have experienced in our time here, in more ways than one !! We wandered and wandered up and down the village, the stalls went on and on and on – there were mainly locals present and it was truly amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t have our cameras with us so haven’t taken any shots of the local scene. On returning to our car, we found it had been side-swiped and a couple of scratches and a dent resulted – the car is still road worthy though, so this will not stop our progress. We also found that there was a leak in the reservoir for the window cleaner, not related to the previous incident, so have spent today trying to sort both. Anyway, we proceeded on to Limoges – a bigger city than we had imagined, the ceramic capital of France, but not overly inspiring overall.
Then we moved on to Oradour-sur-Glane which we had previously read about in a book at the Farmhouse where we are staying. A very sobering and sad experience. Unfortunately, it was closed by the time we arrived, but we wandered and took photos and video of the site. This is a village which was completely destroyed by the Germans in the 2nd World War….where women and children were burnt alive, and the men were shot and their bodies burnt ln response to the French Resistence attacking the the German Occupation Forces.
Today we farewelled Maurice. He and Sue have gone to Ireland. Sue will return next Wednesday.