Gijon to Santander
Our time in Spain had come to an end and we had to drive from Gijon to Santander to take the Ferry back to the UK. It was sad to leave but at... READ MORE
The Parador in Gijon
The Parador in Gijon is on the edge of the town, at the far end of the San Lorenzo Beach from the old town. I’ve talked a lot about it so a separate... READ MORE
Isabel la Catolica Park in Gijon
The Parador of Gijon overlooks the Isabel la Catolica Park in Gijon, in fact you might say it is situated in the park. It was a joy to stroll here at some point... READ MORE
Wandering in Gijon
On this day we decided wandering in Gijon would be a good idea, so we took a taxi to the town centre again. We were also on a hunt for wine! The harbour... READ MORE
Cimadevilla of Gijon
The old town is the Cimadevilla of Gijon, situated on and around the Santa Catalina Hill in Gijon. We took a taxi into the town – I was still on somewhat ‘go-slow’ –... READ MORE
The Museum in Gijon
The Museum of the Asturian People in Gijon is situated close to the Parador. We visited twice because there was just too much to take in at one time. Spain is very proud... READ MORE
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Two days in Nantes
Nantes is a wonderful city in which to spend two days, or longer if you have longer. This is just a taste of many hours of walking. Do visit!
The Art Museum in Nantes
Nantes has a wonderful Arts Museum, just beyond the Ducal Palace and in the middle of the old town. We visited twice in two days!
Churches in Nantes
Nantes was a powerful and prosperous city in which religion was important, as is evidenced by the many substantial and beautiful churches in addition to the Cathedral. I wasn’t visiting the town in order to see the churches but it … Continued
The Cathedral of St Peter & St Paul in Nantes
The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul in Nantes is built on the site of an earlier, Romanesque church and began building in 1434, taking nearly 500 years to complete. It is an extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful building, with … Continued
The Ducal Palace in Nantes
The Chateau in Nantes was built by François II, the last Duke of Brittany, in the 14C in order to defend Brittany – from the French!
Starting off for Brittany
Finally, time off in Brittany! The overnight ferry from Portsmouth delivers us to St Malo early in the morning. I haven’t finished writing about the Parish Enclosures, but I will be returning to those in the weeks ahead.
The Church of Saint Yves in La Roche-Maurice
The Church of Saint Yves was built in the 16C on the site of a 14C Chapel built by the Rohan family, the rulers in the area. From the ruined castle you can look down on the church enclosure in … Continued
Inside the Church of St Salomon at La Martyre
The door opens to a rich collection of wall paintings, carvings, vaulted ceiling, 16C stained glass windows, statues, and a Glory Beam – this is a place for lingering, preferably alone.
La Martyre, Brittany
The Church of St Salomon in La Martyre, like many of the parish enclosures, is built on the site of an earlier complex. And like many of the churches it had to be rebuilt after storm damage. It was in the … Continued
Inside Notre Dame, Lampaul-Guimiliau in Brittany
As people push open the door of the church and step inside there is usually a murmur, or an ‘Aah’. After the dark exterior even the dim light inside cannot hide the extravagant colours, exuberant altar pieces, and extraordinary ceilings.