Exotic flower

We had a return visit to the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau today, 30 years after it was first introduced to us during our first visit to this area. What a difference! Although the building will always be imposing, it used to be shabby and a little uncared for. Now the rooms have all been beautifully restored with the addition of some quite amazing mechanical art works.

The grounds have also been developed with cool, shady parkland and a medieval kitchen garden where I found this passion flower just beginning to flower.