Bayonne Buildings
The buildings in Bayonne had a different feel. They all looked like they belonged right where they were; by the sea.
The buildings in Bayonne had a different feel. They all looked like they belonged right where they were; by the sea.
We started out on our day trip on the Dordogne. Due to the high river level, we had to do very little paddling, which made it a nice, relaxing trip.
As we got closer, we were amazed by this beautiful castle on the hill. We tried to figure out who built it and when, but our guidebook didn't say.
Built into the base of a cliff, La Rogue Gigeac is a beautiful and touristy village along the Dordogne. We stopped for a picnic and to stroll along its streets before getting back in our kayak and heading on.
While we were eating lunch, Chris spotted this castle down the river and took some pictures.
I changed the coloring on this a little and I'm not entirely sure I like it, but it's an interesting effect. Again, this is a beautiful castle along the picturesque Dordogne River.
Here's a picture of La Rogue turned into black and white. I love how there's buildings most of the way up the cliff.
As we were kayaking along, we passed these two wild swans. We also saw a pelican, lots of ducks, and other birds enjoying the river.
I'm usually on my computer in the living room and Chris sits at the kitchen table. I love this picture because it's a very good depiction of what our everyday life is like here.
This is one of the most picturesque houses on the main square in our village. I love the flowers in each window.
Diagonally across from our house is St. Barthelemy, one of two main churches in Lauzerte. I have a picture of the inside posted later on.
One thing you see a lot of in Bordeaux is grapevines. Row after row of grapevines.
That bike and I did not get along. But at the beginning, it was very picturesque and a lovely ride. I just wish I was a bit more of a biker, as I would have enjoyed our trip a bit more. Ah well, live and learn.
These large bottles can be found at the side of the road to promote one vineyard or another. And here is Chris hugging a giant bottle. :)
In the St. Georges area of St. Emilion, we wandered along looking for open vineyards. Here is a picture of Chris riding up to the chateau to ask about a tasting.
When we return to the historic town of St. Emilion, we'll have to stop in this pretty church. On our first trip, we took a picture of its spire from afar.
We went to see the Keep in Montcuq. It was closed, but we got a great view of town from the top of the hill, then went down to see the nearby church.
Speaking of which, here's the church. It is the Church of St. Helaire, built in the 14th century. It is most notable for its octagonal bell tower.
These are some of the arches from the Arles arena, which was amazingly intact and dating back to Roman times. The arena is still used for shows and concerts.
In medieval times, the arena was turned into a fortified city. There were churches and buildings put up in the middle of the arena, which is why it remained intact instead of being torn down. The tower built for defense at the edge of the arena still remains and Chris got this picture from the top, looking down at a nearby street.
We went down to the Mediterranean for swimming and sight-seeing. We took a drive along a ridge and found this beautiful overlook.
Along the drive, we saw this very interesting rock formation. And I must admit, this is not a bad picture for being taken from a moving car.
Here is Jesse peering over an overhanging cliff. It was a long way down to the water.
I got yelled at for taking this picture. It's taken through the window at the Avignon palace, looking at the surrounding city.
The place we stayed at in Avignon had a beautiful terrace overlooking the river. This is a picture of Avignon at night.
This is a fortification on the other side of the river from Avignon. I particularly like the mountains in the distance.
Here's a picture of us at night with the papal palace at Avignon lit up in the background.
Outside of Nimes is an aquaduct over the Gardon River. It was one of the highlights of the trip.
The aquaduct was built in the first century in order to bring water to the growing population at Nimes.
On market days, we would see lots of people wandering through with their baskets full of produce.
Called courgettes in France, zucchinnis were some of the best produce of the summer.
The fresh lettuce was delicious, but you had to be careful to scrub all the dirt off before eating.
