Vitry la Ville

When you have been indoors most of the week, come Friday it is good to go out, even if it is just 20 minutes out of town. Just for somewhere to go, we visited Vitry la Ville. Some friends live there and so we thought we would see where it was.
We knew it was a village. What we did not expect was a château.

 

Château by the lake.

There was water all round the building and a small lake to the right. We started to walk round but the path came to an end allowing this photo but no further progress.
Whilst it is a nice photo, it would have been better if the marquee was not going up at the time.
The other side of this view is a church and graveyard, but more interestingly a family crypt for the local nobility. And it was open. From the commemorative plaques (all the same style despite spanning 2 centuries) it was clear that château life was hard as many died young. There were just 3 who lived to over 70.

Château front (the moat is straight, the panorama effect has curved it)

Gate protection

Since there is a moat all round, the front has a simple (modern) bridge and (ancient) gate.  The sides of the gate had complex spiky protection, the pieces numbered and bolted in place.
We took the opportunity to wander over the grounds and the churchyard before driving off down the tree lined drive. I had not come down this drive which passes through large (open) gates near the road, preferring instead the alternative side  entrance. However it was much more fun to go out that way, even if it was a little narrow.
I must find out what event is going to be put on in the marquee. It could just be the opportunity for a very pleasant evening out.

The tree lined drive

Without the marquee - how did I do that?