Stories from travels in

France

Brittany, France

“It’s all very French.” That was one of my more acute observations made all the sharper because we were in France. In Brittany.

Josselin, France

Let’s have lunch in Josselin, our host suggested. Grand, we said, having never heard of the place.

Normandy Beaches, France

I knew. Of course, I knew. I’ve seen the movies. I’ve read the books. I was in history class the day we talked about the

Bayeux, France

It seems that for as long as I can remember, I’ve been hearing about the Bayeux Tapestry. Not surprising really, since it was made about

Granville, France

I wanted to visit Granville to see the home of designer Christian Dior. Himself was all about the picture-postcard fishing harbour and the cliffs. Neither

Nantes, France

Nantes didn’t meet my expectations, but only because I didn’t have any. This curiosity of a city has leapfrogged the magical Bordeaux to move to

Multi-arched bridge spanning a wide river lit up at night

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux. A colour. A wine. A French city. A city that wasn’t on my radar as I’m not a massive fan of red wine. We

Canal de Garonne, France

I ended up in a yacht race once, thinking I was going along to dribble my toes in the water as I lolled on deck

On the steps of the Sacre Coeur

In times when the Catholic Church in particular, and religious institutions in general, are receiving a bashing, it is nice to see that some churches

Memories – or the lack of them

I was in Paris many years ago as part of an Inter-rail trip around Europe that I embarked upon myself. Alone. On my tod. I