Weekend in Le Mans

We're just back from a lovely weekend away in Le Mans, France. It was really one of the best experiences since we were hosted by Thomas's friend and his family; I mean what is better than being able to stay with a local family when you visit a new country? Despite the language barrier (I never studied French and Thomas's French is a bit rusty) they were amazing hosts--guiding us around Old Town, Le Chateau du Lude, and L'Epau Abbey--and cooking us the most delicious meals each evening. Meal times were definitely an experience, dinners lasted hours and I think we spent most of our weekend gathered around the table sampling local cheeses, fresh bread, and fruit. Even the weather set out to spoil us; sunshine and balmy temperatures giving my ballet flats and dresses one last outing before autumn truly sinks into Ireland. Old Town Le Mans was probably my favorite part of the trip. It's composed of narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, remnants of a Roman wall, and dreamy half-timbered medieval buildings, with nary a fellow tourist in sight. The whole region felt sleepy and unspoiled. There were a number of houses for sale in Old Town too, so I'll just be dreaming of my timbered summer home in Le Mans from now on. Even less realistic would be my dream of moving into the Chateau du Lude with its Renaissance library straight out of Beauty and the Beast. All of the rooms in the castle were grand and full of intricate details that just dazzled the eye...well really the pictures speak for themselves! I left my computer behind on this short jaunt, but we still brought the camera along and between that and my phone snaps it'll be a weekend I won't forget anytime soon. Since we stayed with friends and didn't eat out once I don't have any recommendations in terms of where to stay or dine, but I would definitely book a trip to this region again. It was quiet, but still rich in history and there was plenty to explore off the beaten path.