Tea at Trianon: The Vendée: A Hidden Gem

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Monday, January 20, 2025

The Vendée: A Hidden Gem

From International Living:

One of the best parts of living here is the proximity to miles of sandy beaches, bordered by vast stretches of ancient woodland. The region boasts hundreds of cycling paths and walking trails. In summer, towns like La Tranche-sur-Mer and Les Sables-d’Olonne are lively hubs, but for most of the year, you can walk for miles without seeing another soul.
On blustery days, I love loading the dogs into the car and heading to the beach. There’s a wonderful sense of freedom and space, especially when the tide is out. The dogs love it, too!
Since moving to the Vendée, I’ve taken up the clarinet—a dream I’d long postponed. Three years ago, I joined an ensemble, and we now practice weekly for an end-of-year concert.
Another favorite activity is a day trip to La Rochelle, just an hour away. This picturesque town is perfect for strolling along the port, browsing boutiques, or dining in its many restaurants. A quick lunch costs around €25 for two courses. (Read more.)