Pierrefonds | the sword in the stone
Thanks to dedicated Locations Geek yavannauk and the post wot she made last year after episode 313 The Coming of Arthur was broadcast, we know exactly where Merlin placed the sword in the stone in safekeeping for Arthur. Of course he then magicked it so that we lesser mortals cannot see it, but at least we can visit the location.
This is an image heavy post.
(I realise it's probably silly of me, but I kind of like knowing where Excalibur lies waiting… I enjoyed knowing it was in Speech House Lake, and now I enjoy knowing it's in a little glade near the Chateau.)
Now, the location is in the grounds of the Institut Charles Quentin in Pierrefonds, or at least you need to walk through the grounds in order to get there, so respect is called for. The institute is the Centre for Continuing Education and Learning, specialising in business trade and distribution. There are students here, so please don't disturb them. Also, the grounds are only open during regular hours - I think from about 10 am to 5 pm.
how to get there
The gates to the institute grounds are along the Rue Sabatier, between the car park many of us use in Pierrefonds, and the church Eglise St Sulpice.
Walk along the roadway leading up to the right.
As yavannaukfound, you get some rather nice views of the Chateau along the way.
Walk through the car park behind the red-brick-and-white-stone mansion house.
Take the grass track leading off to the right. Do not be tempted by the paved way leading down to the football field! Pilgrim-knight, you do know what they say about taking the easy road…
The track curves on. It is all wide enough for a vehicle to use. At this point there is a choice to be made, oh gentle knight. But do not take the path that leads down to the left, nor the path that twists back to the right. Carry on, good knight, and trust to the middle path.
Yea verily, this is the righteous path, oh sturdy knight! Take it at a steady pace. And rest assured that it will all be downhill once you have completed your Quest.
At the last, your way will be beset by confusions and overgrown undergrowth. Be of good faith, and ye shall win through! (Um. The track curves around to the left there, in front of the pretty bushy thing.)
Pilgrim! You have reached the third most important Merlin Location of them all! (Feel free to fall to your knees, or sing and dance about a bit, as is your wont.)
The Fun Bit!
OK, so here's a screen cap of The Moment (with thanks to _becca84_).
And here we are with an overlay. Which is always trickier than you think at the time! I've got everything pretty much lined up but for the angle of the large tree to the right.
Thank you again to yavannaukfor her sterling detective work! And apologies to anyone I have inadvertantly offended with my Quest.