For most people, Le Mans means the world famous hundred year old car race.

For some, Le Mans means its astonishing Cathedral with its famous flying buttresses.

For history buffs, Le Mans means hard man but ultimately tragic Henry Plantagenet who was born, baptised and hounded to his death in Le Mans by his wife and sons.

There are artists and there are artists and then there is the artist Cédo M. who kindly invited us to a Preview of his upcoming exhibition in his beguiling home.

Hidden from the road is a (sadly rusting) Meccano type contraption known as The Éolienne Bollée.

The Witan (Wise Men) of London chose the King of England. Bastards were not eligible that is until one, a Frenchman declared himself king.

Many beautiful Town Halls in France are re-jiggled châteaux which were built for royalty and the upper crust. Not so Tours. This grandiose palace - no exaggeration - fit for a king, was built by the people (the Council) for the people.

Its rather ugly plinth detracts from this wonderful work of art. It looks rather forlorn. Plonked down in a rather unlovely street. No wonder the half-man, half-bird looks as if it is preparing to take off.

On 30 September 1174, Montlouis-sur-Loire witnessed an important rapprochement between members of the most dysfunctional of all dysfunctional royal families.

Cunning, duplicitous John, favourite son of Henry II. He plotted to relieve his brother Richard, his mother’s favourite, of the throne and asked his father to keep Richard away from England for as long as possible.