Back in early December I mentioned that we’d taken a day and went to Azay-le-Rideau castle, one of the smallest castles in the Loire Valley, but also one of my personal favourites.

I love it because unlike some of the others that impress by their sheer size and sumptuousness, this one is very human-sized (In other words… I could easily see myself living there! 😉).

Today, I’m going to take you on a pictoral walk through the castle, but from a particular point of view. The main ‘theme’ for Christmas decorations this year was ‘papier-mâché’ which many of you will remember from school, growing up. With shredded newsprint and wallpaper paste, you can create all kinds of things. Once dry, they hold their share remarkably well, stiffened by the dried paste.

These decorations are a far cry from anything you made in school, I guarantee you!

Pour yourself a healthy mug of coffee and let’s get started!