Thursday, November 17, 2016
Now in Avignon, the city of popes that isn't Rome. The pontiffs were here in the 14th century when the papacy became a vassal of the French crown. The palace is still here dominating the town, its great stone walls towering over the cobbled lanes. The rooms inside are impressive, vast spaces now empty but for a few wandering tourists.
Not many treasures left. I guess they all got returned to Rome. There are some impressive frescos, although many were damaged when the palace was used as a military barracks just after the revolution. The palace was also home to the anti-popes, two pretenders to the papal crown who reigned in Avignon at the start of the 15th century. Not sure what happens if a pope meets an anti-pope. Maybe there is a big flash and we all become atheist. Who knows?
The city overlooks the Rhone, with its constant river traffic chugging by. Over the river is the Fort Saint-André which protect the town of Villeneuve. The old bridge over the river has long fallen down, with just the eastern spur jutting into the water. You can walk out onto it but in terms of crossing the water it falls a little short. Luckily there is a newer alternative.
The river used to be a wide fermenting babble. Now it's calm and sedate thanks to the river calming efforts up stream. Very pleasant to sit on the banks, take in the glorious autumn leaves, and see the world glide by.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Down to the French Riviera and the seaside city of Nice. Very pleasant being by the seaside, which even in November has a slightly balmy feel. The city has seen some troubles in recent months, but the atmosphere is friendly and warm. Slightly weird to see armed soldiers patrolling the seafront though.
Climbed up to Castle Hill for a glorious view over the coast. The promenade stretches for miles in a graceful curve sweeping from the town towards the airport. On the other side the harbour is chock full of expensive boats.
The city is overlooked by Mount Boron which is full of trails and viewpoints. The old fort at the top offers some wonderful viewpoints which makes the climb worthnthe effort.
Checked out of hotel and headed for the Gare de Nord. My train wasn`t until 17.30 so had a few hours to kill so headed up to Montmartre. It`s a steap climb up but you are rewarded with a fantastic view, especially if you climb all the stairs to the dome on top of Sacré Cœur. The whole of Paris is laid out at your feet.
Spent some time wandering the lanes of the village in the footsteps of Van Gough and Renior., before heading for the train and the three hour journey back to London
Spent the day in the luxurious surroundings of Versailles. An amazing place in a gorgeous location. It’s not far from Paris, just 30 mins on the metro, Was a bit packed but I managed to squeeze my way in and enjoy the sights. There is a magnificent Chapel, a wonderful opera house and the stunning Hall of Mirrors, which is just finishing a massive restoration project. There are also the grounds with lakes and formal gardens, plus The Petit Trianon where Marie Antoinette could play at being a housewife. The park has a whole model village built for the Queen including a farm and a dairy. Must have been quite idyllic and a bit of a shock when she was dragged of to Paris to face the guillotine.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Spent the morning in The Louvre, immersing myself in art and culture. Saw all the big ones, Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo etc, plus a few hundred others. It`s an amazing place and you could spend days in there and not see everything. The apartments of Napoleon the third are sumptuous beyond belief.
A beautiful day so spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the islands of the Seine. Popped into Notra Dame. There was some sort of pantomime on with guys in funny costumes waving smoke around and warbling. Very entertaining.
Finished with a boat trip along the river as the sun went down.
Another beautiful day in the French Capital. Spent the morning at the Opera. We visiting the Paris Opera House anyhow. A wonderful building just like in the musical, but no Phantom to be seen. There is a magnificent chandelier and a grand auditorium. This afternoon went to the Conciergerie. A former palace it was turned into a prison and was where the condemned waited to be loaded into Tumbrels , the carts which carried them to Revolution Square and the guillotine. Walked back via the Eiffel Tower and saw it all lit up as the sun went down
Up bright and early to catch the Eurostar to Paris. First time I have been on it and I found it incredibly easy and convenient. Much less hassle than flying, the train brings you right into the heart of Paris and I was able to walk to my hotel.
Staying near the Arc_de_Triomphe. Went for a climb up to the top this afternoon to get my bearings. It`s about 25 years since I last came to Paris, so didn`t remember much. For a start I didn`t realise how flat it was. No hills and not many tall buildings. No wonder the Eiffel Tower sticks out. Talking of which, went for a climb up that notable structure this evening. Walked up to stage 2 and then got the lift the rest of the way. Fantastic views.
