Time Slip in Chatillon Coligny

There are lots of Chatillons in France - a medieval castle once stood in each.  The Donjon dating from 1190 still stands in Chatillon Coligny and many medieval buildings remain in the narrow winding streets within the walls of this ancient fortified town.
The town could not be more welcoming to boaters providing great moorings with electricity, water, showers, toilets and wifi and all for free! We always try to give back to any community that provides a mooring by spending some money in the local shops. Chatillon Coligny's facilities are so good that they merited a bit more than the normal day to day shopping and so we decided to go out for dinner at the upmarket restaurant. It was still light when we left the boat. Even although it was Saturday night these small country towns close down fairly early. There were a few people and some traffic around but the shops were shut and the bar owners were busy washing down their floors and stacking the tables and chairs. The restaurant we were heading for stands just outside the town walls beside one of the gateways. At the end of our lovely meal the chef came out of the kitchen and spoke to each diner individually - and there were a lot of customers.

Our route home took us back through the town gate and into the now dark and deserted streets of the old town. First we heard hoof beats ringing against the cobbled streets and then a horse drawn carriage swept by without a glance at us from the driver.

A minute later two vintage cars passed. They at least acknowledged our presence with honking  horns whilst the occupants, dressed in flamboyant clothes from an earlier century waved gloved hands and tipped hats.Then we turned into the main square. Three women  in long dresses and hats and carrying baskets stood chatting under one of the street lights quite oblivious to our presence whilst in the centre of the square a couple of young boys played a game of skittles again apparently totally unaware of us.

From time to time the horse and carriage clattered through the square followed by the ratting old cars. No one, other than these characters from the past and ourselves was on the streets. It was the strangest feeling- a bit like that Woody Allen film 'Midnight in Paris'.

We watched and wondered for a while and then continued on our way back to the boat hearing the hoofbeats and the honking of the cars as we walked. We didn't meet another soul.
Apologies for the ghostlike quality of the photographs - I did my best....