Monday 9 July 2007

36 hours with no rain

Yes we did have 36 hours with no rain but it is raining again in the French Alps. However, it is warmer- so warm that the car has been trying to overheat going up some of the Cols- such as Col du Menee.

La Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut

Our visit to La Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, designed by Le Corbusier in the 1950's, was inspired by Gavin's sister's namesake, Claire (from Auckland). The Chapel is quite unlike any church I have visited before and found it to be exceedingly peaceful.


Le Puy en Velay

The Ballon des Vosges I understand affords wonderful views across to the Alps- alas we barely saw the other side of the valley. Yesterday we visited a quirky town in the middle of the Massif Centrale, Le Puy en Velay. The town is surrounded by the remains of 60 extinct volcanoes and has churches and statues on all different high rocky outcrops.


Table for two in Massif Central


Now we head on to L' Alpe d'Huez and Gavin's nemesis (although he did actually conquer it on a mountain bike) the Col du Galibier. Sadly we are too early for the Tour de France this year. From there on to Italy.

5 comments:

Trish and Pete said...

Have you got teethmarks in your knees yet, Gavin, from eating your dinner in that position? What a domestic scene - dinner on the table, washing on the line - very impressive! All sounding great. Good on you both.

Dad and Sue said...

Loved the scene of domestic harmony - and accompanied by a personal photographer. Most impressed!! xx

B&C's Travel Blog said...

Glad to hear you made it to & enjoyed the chapel at Ronchamp. It was a highlight for us. We've made it to Switzerland & the rain has been following us too, hoping for a reprieve sometime soon. Take care guys & we'll be following your blog with interest. Cheers, The-Other-Claire Bartlett & Brett

Rob said...

we are hosting dinner for 6 tonight (Jasper isn't included) and we too will be using "really useful boxes" as a dining table

Trish and Pete said...

Us again. You may have gone 36 hours without rain but we have just gone 30 hours without power, so we felt in communion with you. Now all restored, so we can see again without resorting to our stock of candles. Now.. Coronation St ......