Nestled on the shore of L'Étang Neuf, is the elegant building that houses the Musée de la Résistance en Argoat. The outside, as you can see, is quite stunning, seeming right at home with the natural beauty of the lake. I'd love to tell you how great the museum itself was, but we couldn't get in. It's closed for the entire month of January. Still, the exterior and surrounding area were lovely enough to make the quick drive worth it.

Ruins are pretty commonplace in France. We made the drive to Abbaye de Coat Mallouen, which is fully open to the public to explore on your own. That's helpful, since there aren't any guides to offer much in the way of assistance. But it's elegant in its stark beauty, and we found ourselves wondering what it would have look liked 800 years ago, bustling with activity.

Well... there isn't much. In fact, some times its hard to distinguish street from driveway from walkway. Still, such tiny access points add charm and a bit of mystery to the journey.

Mairie means mayor in French. The Mayor's office -- we assume not the house -- is always well marked. This one is in Le Haute-Corlay, the small town just up the hill (le haut means high) from the slightly larger town of Corlay proper.

Situated a few hundred meters from the home where we were staying sits Chateau de Corlay, almost literally right in our back yard. The castle, now in mostly ruin, was built in 1195 and featured high walls with six towers. It housed the Lords of Corlay until the fourteenth century. 

Even in January, loads of moisture permeates Corlay and the surrounding area. This makes it quite green, which is sometimes interrupted by snow. But it doesn't last long. The Gulf Stream also keeps the weather quite warm, barely staying below freezing for more than a few hours. Snow quickly turns to rain, and any accumulation is quickly but a memory.

Still, it is quite lovely when it snows. The area takes on an almost surreal quality. Sounds soften. And for a brief moment, magic is in the air. And then it rains. Again. So much for the magic.