A Tower and a Castle

To unscramble my head I headed out to Monthoiron where there were guided visits in French.  For years I have been fascinated by this tower, which a few years ago started to show signs of undergrowth being removed from it. VOILA it is being revealed in its ruined state and next year it may be possible to go inside.
I was particularly interested to go this weekend as medieval cannons were to be fired. A big bang! HOWEVER, nothing like the demonstration in Haut-Koenigsberg, Alsace in 2006 or 7 when my daughter lived there for a week in true re-enactment medieval style, in an attic, at an early Easter, with snow on the ground. She was ill before she went and ill when she went home! A straw bed in an attic aint much fun!  The Burgundians were fighting!
http://www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr/en/

I digress as usual!

Today was a pleasant afternoon, extremely informative if one can understand French.  I get some!  For three euros it was good value.  I received a French leaflet and an English one with different text content! Bizarre!
After twelve years of being mystified, it was very interesting to see it up close,  to know about the "buttresses", to see the private chateau (exterior) and other buildings around it as well as to understand some of its history.  ALSO that it is one of Leonardo da Vinci's designs.  Interestingly has been cut by earthquakes. One visitor announced he used to scramble through the crack when he was a boy. 
A peaceful afternoon to unscramble my head which returned when I got home.. so I am writing this!
The drive in the vehicle was hot (no windows open in my car!) despite the wonderful wind. Thank goodness they sold Magnums.  I needed one as my freezer is empty of such delights! Wonderful architectural history.
http://www.vinci-monthoiron.com/?page_id=209&lang=en
Here are my photos:

This part was once built similar to the next building

The private Chateau of Monthoiron

All that is left of the buttresses