We chose one near Liege so that we could combine some sightseeing with a visit to Carrefour. Our stockpile of French breakfast cookies had reached dangerously low levels (thanks in part to me). In the past I had been critical of the breakfast cookie. Just because you put the word breakfast in front of the word cookie doesn’t change the fact that it is still a cookie you are eating at breakfast. Although the box does try to reassure you that these cookies are indeed part of a healthy breakfast --- when eaten with a yogurt, fruit and some other healthy stuff. I’m waiting for them to come out with some breakfast ice cream.
Of the 200 or so castles that line the river Meuse, many of them are still private residences or have been turned into hotels or restaurants. We chose to visit the Chateau de Jehay which was about 20 minutes outside of Liege.
The castle was surrounded by a large moat and had a very unique design. There were large blocks of sandstone in the wall which were intended to prevent a breach in the castle wall by enemy cannons.
In 1978 the castle was sold to the Province of Liege. The Van den Steen family had owned it since the 17th century. Much of the tour was about the last owner, Guy Van den Steen. He had been a painter and a sculptor as well as a champion skier who had a penchant for fast cars. Jim was a fan of his sculptures as you can see from the picture below.
During the time we were touring the 10 interior rooms which were on display and the surrounding gardens, we saw 2 wedding parties taking photographs at the castle. I’m sure that anyone getting married in the vicinity of the castle must come there to take pictures. The landscaping and the castle exterior are absolutely gorgeous.
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