Clairvaux

Clairvaux is about a 30 minute drive from us, through the vineyards and forest and some very picturesque villages. It is an important site relating to the Templars – more on that another time. We were heading to Clairvaux to visit a religious themed market, where all the produce is made in various religious sites across France mainly, but I do believe there was some Belgium beer.

We were very impressed with the high quality of the produce, and all very nicely packaged and presented. We bought some marmalade, some olive and tomato pastes, Citeaux cheese (which I’ve wanted to try since reading about their challenges during the pandemic – again, more on that another time) and a beautiful recipe book, ‘Grandma’s recipes’. The book is in French but I thought it will help us with our learning and french cooking.

This is the long drive to the prison entrance, and the old facade. If you look carefully through the top of the gate you can see one of the new watch towers.

As well as being a very important historical monument, which you can visit via a guided tour, it is also a high security prison. So when you join a tour you need to provide ID, give up your phone, and have your photograph taken. Also photography is not permitted. We will go back and do a tour soon, as I’m intrigued.