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

The Cathedral in Florence

posted in: Florence, Home, Italy | 3

The first stone of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was laid in 1296 and the building was finally consecrated in 1436. The complex of Cathedral (with Brunelleschi’s Dome), Baptistry (11C-12C), and Giotto’s 14C Bell Tower dominates the centre … Continued

The Convent of San Marco, Florence

posted in: Florence, Home, Italy | 1

In November we squeezed in a few days in Florence. I hadn’t been to the city for many years and although I thought I knew Florence it was a discovery and adventure all over again. 

9 reasons for visiting Brittany

posted in: Brittany, Home | 5

Brittany is quite unlike other parts of France and was actually independent of France until the 1500s. Both in 2015 and 2016 we spent a wonder-full month there and plan to return in 2017. Why should you visit? Here are nine reasons for … Continued

Abbaye aux Hommes, Caen

posted in: Brittany, Home | 0

The Abbey of St Etienne in Caen, which is also known as the Abbaye aux Hommes, started building in 1066 under the direction of William, Duke of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror, King of England. The Abbey was founded as a monastery, … Continued

The Cathedral of St Samson, Dol de Bretagne

posted in: Brittany, Home | 0

Our time in Brittany had come to an end and we set off on the road from Sizun to Ouistreheim. It was a short journey and so we stopped at Dol de Bretagne and then again in Caen before sadly boarding the overnight ferry … Continued

The Circuit of Mougau

posted in: Brittany, Home | 0

Wendy Mewes describes this walk in Walks in Finistère and although we did a variant I can thoroughly recommend undertaking the full walk no.4. It was our last walk in Brittany until the next visit in the autumn of 2017 – I … Continued

The Ceilings, Beams & Sablieres in the Church of St Suliau, Sizun

posted in: Brittany, Home | 2

The sablières are the wooden beams between the tops of the walls and the ceiling, and they are carved with scenes of everyday life, religious themes, fantastical beasts, and foliage. At intervals there are little figures – all incredible.