..and turn into a lake of snowdrops (perce neiges) under our feet. Despite the rather inclement weather this morning (Tuesday) we took a walk by the river Seye at the former Cistercian Abbaye de Beaulieu. This is a beautiful place at anytime, but when carpeted with tens of thousands of snowdrops it has a special appeal.
The river at that point was used by the monks at the abbey to feed the fish tanks where they raised trout; medieval fish farming. The tanks are still there and often have fish. There is a notice describing the fact that the valley also has an abundance of elder trees. These
sureaux were valued by the ancient gods as a source of alcohol (whose mother did not make elderflower wine?). We read that the Latin name for elder is "sambucus", meaning a harp and the wood is excellent for making musical instruments.
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