Beaune is quite the centre of Burgundian culture. Having seen the striking tiles on the roofs in Aloxe Corton on our way we were fascinated by the rooftops of the walled town of Beaune, culminating in the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). Beaune is a place that revels in its medieval atmosphere and the history contained in the cobbled streets. In many ways it the centre of this wine-producing region and here in Beaune you can indulge in tasting wine from every village and domain of the surrounding countryside.
Category Archives: architecture
Historic Vézelay in Northern Burgundy
Historically, Vézelay is one of the most important religious sites in all of France. Back at the time of the inception of the Basilica it was arguably the foremost site of faith in the country. Vézelay in fact was chosen as the venue for the preaching of the second crusade in 1146 but rather fellContinue reading “Historic Vézelay in Northern Burgundy”
A trip to the French restored treasure of Carcassonne
This chapter is taken from my first French travel book ‘First Time we Saw Paris’ and appears also in the compilation ‘Off the Autoroute’. We also had the opportunity one day in our first week in France to visit the cité of Carcassonne. My only recollection prior to visiting this medieval, heavily restored fortress citéContinue reading “A trip to the French restored treasure of Carcassonne”
Historic Town of Dunster Somerset
Dunster, near to the Somerset coastline at Minehead is a popular town with visitors. The ancient castle on the hill overlooking the town is its most prominent feature of course and the above photograph was taken from the ramparts. The attractive main street, at the top of which is the old yarn market, is lined with attractive shops and cafes. Even if you have never visited Dunster it will still seem familiar to you as a well used film location – check out Agatha Christie’s Poirot for instance.
St Paul de Vence a beautiful French perched village
St Paul de Vence is felt by many to be the loveliest of the perched villages in the south of France. Perhaps, but I do love Bonnieux! St Paul de Vence, an attractive, compact village became a magnet for artists and art lovers in the 1920’s, when a group of impressionist painters rediscovered this sleeping neglected village.Continue reading “St Paul de Vence a beautiful French perched village”
Waiting for lunch in a quiet moment in Mougins France
Waiting for lunch customers at a lovely French cafe. An atmospheric scene in a quiet street in Mougins France. Mougins is close to the perfume town of Grasse. The small village boasts several fine restaurants and is a lovely relaxing place to enjoy a long lunch and sleep it of by the fountain in theContinue reading “Waiting for lunch in a quiet moment in Mougins France”
A Day in………Whitby, Yorkshire
A Day in ………..Whitby Whitby – a name synonymous with a number of cultural events and iconic characters. I will endeavour to write this short piece without referring to the obvious. I shall try but it will be difficult. You see I go to Whitby for none of them. I also am not a fanContinue reading “A Day in………Whitby, Yorkshire”
A Day in …….Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Regis holds special memories for us. We first visited on our honeymoon and returned shortly afterwards with our toddler son. For us now, it is a short trip to the south coast from our Somerset home, but back then it was a good six-hour journey from the North of England. This West Dorset coastalContinue reading “A Day in …….Lyme Regis, Dorset”
French Travel Books - France, Paris, Provence & French Food & Wine 