Gentle Friends Maison Grise, the house we were staying in was about a 10 minute drive to the charming 14th century town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, or just Sarlat. We drove over for dinner on my second evening....
... this statue of Etienne de la Boetie was in the middle of the parking lot, I though it was pretty funny with the bird sort of settled on his head. You can click his name a read about why he has a statue... we toured around taking pictures before settling on a restaurant.....
The town is located in Perigord-noir and developed originally around a Benedictine Abby. There is a great medieval "Cathedral" dedicated to Saint Sacredos, a Saint I had never heard of, but of local origin.
... Main Square looking towards the Cathedral...
... The Cathedral of Saint Sacredos is a Roman Catholic church and former cathedral. The Diocese of Sarlat was created in 1317 with a number of others in the region in the aftermath of the suppression of the Albigensians. The new Bishop of Sarlat was the abbot of the ancient Sarlat Abbey, the church became the cathedral. rebuilding was not completed until the 1680's (the belfry dates to the 9th century).
... it seems that every church has a statue of Jeanne d'Arc, and so I took a snaps of different versions at different churches - so be warned.....
... and lots of churches have chapels dedicated to Lourdes....and here is the window you can just see the corner of...
... Sarlat is a great 14th century village/town with great old buildings....
... this goose statute is in honor of one of the regions two specialties... one is walnuts the other is Foie Gras. I am a true lover foie gras, both goose and duck!! ... we finally settled on a restaurant, there are literally 100's of places mostly small an intimate with sidewalk service to choose from....
... I started off my meal with foie gras, it often comes with a little onion comfit and a bit of jellied aspic and warm toast.... really terrific!!
... steak with mushroom sauce a carrot puree and some pommed de terre sarladaise. - The foie was the best part of this dinner!!! We walked around after dinner as it was a warm evening....
... this is the doorway of the Chapelle des Penitants Blancs... and looked great at night.
... there are lots of side streets and walkways throughout the town..... and that wraps up the evening in Sarlat, we came back for market day on Wednesday...... and I took some snaps!!
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The next day we visited Rocamadour, a lovely town built along a cliff with the buildings rising in stages up the side on the right bank of the Alzou river. Here are some snaps....
from across the valley driving to Rocamadour...
... from the parking area in the valley, we took the tram up to the first level, but you can walk.....
... from the lower village, this main street is lined with shops and restaurants....
we stopped in a cafe for some espresso's and this was the view - that road you see int he distance is were I got the first photo of the city...
... the main city gate.... most Pilgrims come to Rocamadour to see the Black Madonna or the Virgin of Rocamadour, said to have been carved Saint Amator. There are two ways of getting to the shrine... an elevator cut into the mountain (the way I went up) or the Pilgrims staircase - Au Pied de grand Escalier....
... the lower staircase....
.. along the way are the 14 Stations of the Cross...
... you also pass the chapel built into the mountain...
... the stairs lead up to this courtyard .... and this
... doorway into the shrine...
... and a close up....
... There is also a church or Notre Dame that you pass into from the shrine....
and....
... the door and stair from the Church, Mass was letting out when we got there...
looking out over the valley...
looking up at the tower...
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... on top, above everything is a Chateau, still privately owner, but you can visit the battlements and look out over the whole valley....
... looking into the courtyard....
... we stopped here for lunch....
my friends had cassoulet...
and a salade with duck breast and gizzard, and I had...
a salade terroir and foie gras....
or as the menu put it...
... on the way back to the car we stopped here...
.... and I got a boule of.....
cafe glace!! Finished off the visit with a bang!!!
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Thanks fro stopping and sharing my trip!!
Take care,
edgar
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The next day we visited Rocamadour, a lovely town built along a cliff with the buildings rising in stages up the side on the right bank of the Alzou river. Here are some snaps....
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or as the menu put it...
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Thanks fro stopping and sharing my trip!!
Take care,
edgar
I'm amazed that people were able to construct these buildings long before modern tools and equipment were available. Another lovely day! Thank you.
ReplyDeletePaula
Your photos are amazing--I want to travel with you! Not sure about the foie gras!
ReplyDeleteBelfry 9th century amazing I could just sit there and imagine... We get excited here in New England with an 17th century house. You photos are great. Edgar do you speak French?
ReplyDeleteLovely photos xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tour of the town. The views of the valley are incredible and what a beautiful day you had.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and interesting, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLancy
Such beautiful pictures. I love seeing the quaint villages and the magnificent Churches! Thanks again for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteMy neck would be stiff from looking up. How hard was it to leave this behind and head home?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous shots, Edgar! Makes me miss Spain...I long to go back. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm so enjoying sight seeing over your shoulder! Once again, I'm struck by how ancient everything is compared to in the US. I just love it! The food looks excellent as well. Thanks again for taking the time to share your travels with us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing all these wonderful pictures. You stir up my itchy feet. I love France and the country is not very far from my hometown.
ReplyDeleteA bientôt et bisous d'Allemagne
Stunning photos. You have indeed captured the spirit of the area.
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