Bordeaux: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today we go to Bordeaux, on the Garonne River near the Atlantic coast. The city has nearly 350 buildings that are "classified" and buildings that listed as Historic Monuments, including 3 World Heritage sites considered part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Then, on the 19th, I head home.

Vaux-sur-Mer on the Atlantic Coast

The seaside and the market at Vaux-sur-Mer

Visiting more cousins. The sea food and the oysters here are an epicurean delight. From here we will drive down the coast to Bordeaux.

Restaurant in Tours on the Loire

On Wednesday M and I ate at a restaurant that was outstanding for the quality and freshness of its seafood, as well as for the attractive presentation of the dishes.

On to Montagrier in the Dordogne

Today I arrived to visit more cousins in the Dordogne.

Le Loir et La Loire in Pictures

See the region of Le Loir et La Loire on TracyZeye.

The Chateau d'Amboise on the Loire

Yesterday we visited the Chateau d'Amboise on the Loire. M participated one year in an equestrian event where she rode up the wide spiral entry in the round tower on horseback. The 'ramp' is wide enough for a wagon. We also saw the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci where he lived nearby.

Night back at the farm brought rain and a thunderstorm--39 mm of rain.

White Wagtail (motacilla alba)

I love seeing this bergeronnette grise

hop around in the grass at La Coutairie.

La Vallée du Loir

Le LoirEglise de la Trinité, Vendôme

La Courtairie is situated 15 kms from Vendôme, on the Loir river. The Loir is a tributary of the Loire, not to be confused with the latter which is one of the five large rivers of France. The countryside is lushly green, the small villages picturesque. This is not only "another place", but seems like another time.

On the Way to La Courtairie

The shield of Prunay-Cassereau

Today I travel by train, to the Paris suburb of Bourg La Reine to meet cousin MD. I will ride with her by car to her restored farm house at La Courtairie, near Prunay-Cassereau.

Musée du Quai Branly, Paris

Musée du Quai Branly

Today we visited this museum which features indigenous art, cultures and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Former President Jacques Chirac was an influential supporter of the project. The Museum opened in June, 2006. The Oceania collection was of particular interest to me, and had many familiar objects.

This prickly little guy from the Congo, Nkisi Nkondi, may be able to solve your problems. An object believed to have magical powers, it probably needs to be handled with care, in more ways than one.