Amazing 4 course lunch at Caveau des Arches, Beaune. Set under a 16th century fortified bridge, the rock walls and arches, soft light and incredibly presented and delicious dishes was a highlight and a wine lovers dream.
The Hospices du Beaune courtyard with it's elaborate tiled roofs. Touring this former orphanage and refuse for the sick was an eyeopening look at charitable institutions of the 1400s. The religous paintings and gargoyle like wooden carvings high above the 'rooms of the sick' and adjacent and handy chapel gave insight into how religous converts might have been made and more easily swayed once inside these walls. To me it appeared as a contained fortress, beautiful but devoid of the outside world influences. The last painting I saw in the museum section walls depicted a graphic and horrific story of one who chose sin over good and was shown being dragged through multiple scenes of dispair into hell. Pretty hard to misinterpret the meaning behind that one. Glad I saw it, can't say it made me feel all warm and fuzzy though.
Ahh the trains through french countryside. Amazing front row views.
Bert at Pont Du Gard. The aquaducts and the amazing river views
Chiseled stairways wind through the little city of Orange
Happy camper, this boxed piece of heaven contains a hard whipped merangue dessert swirled with chocalate on top and filled with Gran Marnier from a patissarie in Orange. For 2 euro it was an edible art bargain.
