In October of last year (2023) we again ventured into France for a three week road trip. This time we head east to Alsace before turning in a south-westerly direction to Bordeaux. We complete our tour by aiming for Brittany before crossing Normandy and finally a last night in Amiens prior to sailing back across the Channel. Over the next few weeks we will share some images of this trip with postings each week on Sunday and Thursday mornings.
Bright sunshine lit our way across from Dover to Calais. Warm sunshine remained a feature of the day as we arrived for a walk exploring the hill top city of Laon. Its old city sits nearly 100feet above the more modern additions to the town. Its strategic location was recognised by the Romans who fortified the hill top and it remained a strongly defended site for almost 2000 years. Much of its old walls and powerfully impressive gateways survive. Within those walls are many medieval buildings along narrow streets which lead us to the stunning cathedral. This incredible gothic edifice was constructed in the 12th & 13th centuries although additional supports were added over following years to maintain the integrity of the structure. Laon also, courtesy of its elevated position, offers amazing views.
Our first overnight stop was in the city of Reims. Its magnificent cathedral was the location where the coronation of the Kings of France took place. Clovis, the first Frankish King to be baptised was baptised here. Subsequently this site grew in importance to the emerging French Monarchy. The high gothic building itself dates from the 13th century and is now a World Heritage Site. It has been beautifully restored and cleaned in recent decades and presents an incredible spectacle both by day and by night. A wonderful first day.
#dover #calais #englishchannel #laon #romans #fortifications #medieval #citywalls #laon #cathedral #Cathedralnotredamedelaon #reims #gothic #highgothic #Cathedralenotredamedereims
#clovis #kingsoffrance #france #worldheritagesite
Негізгі бет Sailing from Dover to Calais - Visiting the cities of Laon and Reims. 🇫🇷
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