Tue 22 Jul- Chateau Vendeuvre, 'Parc et Jardins du Chateau de Canon'

Tue 22 Jul- after just coffee for breakfast, we left for the Chateau Vendeuvre [http://www.vendeuvre.com] which was unknown to the GPS but well indicated by signs. On the way had lunch in 'Saint Pierre sur Dives' at a restaurant recommended by the GPS, 'Les Agriculteurs': 2 specials, a giant salad for Kiyomi and chicken with special sauce and vegetables (we split the dishes half-half) and a half-bottle 'Touraine 2007 Gamay' red wine; then 'creme brullee' and 'Marquise au chocolat noir' for dessert, which we did NOT split.
Continuing to the chateau Vendeuvre on a warm 24C cloudless day, we enjoyed the 'jardin d'eau surprises' (surprise water garden), which turned on a water feature suddenly when it sensed someone nearby. The kids loved it; we followed cautiously after the kids triggered the fountains. We also enjoyed other parts of the large estate, including the swan lake and the formal gardens.
Then we headed for the 'Parc et Jardins du Chateau de Canon', which the GPS knew about, but was frustrated by a blocked road under repair; fortunately, we just went a few blocks around the blocked part, and found the chateau. This is a famous garden containing statues, a Chinese kiosk, a temple, the mirror pond, and Chartreuses (a succession of flower gardens surrounded by walls. It was started in 1775 (a year before the US declaration of independence!). It's a huge property, with well-marked paths to the various features, and with a 'cave' at the end of the route where you can taste cider made from pears and apples.
Returning to Bagnoles de l'Orne, we had a light supper of draft beer, 'salade nicoise' and 'moules frites' which we split. Then we walked around this cute town with its many displays of flowers along the streets, to the thermal spring hotels and spas. The views are very nice, especially across the lake.