Saint Germain de Livet

We've just returned from a quick trip to Normandy with my friend Odette. Of course, no trip is complete without a little bit of tourism and a couple of photos. This is the Chateau Saint Germain de Livet near Lisieux.

Star gazing (part 2)

We went out on Saturday night to look for more Perseid meteors. We tried to find a place where we could get a good view of the skies over Paris. We ended up at Montmartre, one of the highest spots in the city. Unfortunately, the city lights obcure all but the brightest stars.

I saw only one meteor, but we did get to see the ISS (International Space Station) fly overhead twice in the same evening. Can you see the tiny white dot directly over Sacre Coeur? That's the ISS.

Star gazing

The skies have been clear over Paris for a couple of days - just in time for the Perseid meteor shower. Each year several Paris locations offer "Les Nuits des étoiles" and astronomy clubs all over the country host special programs. Our excursion yesterday took us about 50 kms south of Paris to a small town called Breuillet whose astronomy club offered free star gazing to the public.

We arrived early and had to wait for the sky to darken.

We were rewarded by some excellent viewing of Mars, Saturn with its rings, a few étoiles filantes (shooting stars), and passage of the brilliant ISS.

Today we're going to the Cité des Sciences for more astronomy programs focusing on the Mars landing of Curiosity.

Chateau Gaillard

This week's continuing medieval history lesson took us to the Chateau Gaillard in Normandy. The chateau, now in ruins, sits perched on a strategic site overlooking the Seine river. It was built in 1196 by Richard the Lionhearted to protect his Normandy territory against French forces. During his lifetime, Richard was a vassal of the French King Philippe II, holding titles as Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, and Count of Poitiers. Richard was also King of England, even though he was rarely there and didn't even speak English. Here is a map showing (in pink) the area that he ruled. Chateau Gaillard is located on the border between the pink area and the blue area which was ruled by the King of France.

After Richard's death in 1199, Philip laid siege to the castle and it became part of the French kingdom in 1204. The castle later changed hands again during the 100 years war. Finally, it was ordered destroyed by the King of France in 1598. Here's what the castle looked like in 1198:

Today, it is largely in ruins.

Chess

Patrice and I play almost every afternoon with an antique chess set that I brought back from China. The games are intense. I'm ahead in total wins; but today's score was 1 to 1.

The eagles of the ramparts

"For your own safety, do not raise your arms or stand up during the performance."
 So began the equestrian falconry show that we attended in Provins. The show featured raptors from several species: falcons, hawks, kites, owls, eagles, and even vultures - all of which flew over the ramparts and just inches over our heads.  

It's OK. He won't hurt you.

Thank goodness for digital film. We took several hundred photos each. . .

Provins

Yesterday we visited Provins, a medieval fortified town about 1.5 hrs SE of Paris. The town was located at the crossroads of major European trade routes between Flanders and Italy. Twice a year, wholesale merchants would gather for trade fairs in the city. The area was known for its woolen goods and trade reached its peak during the 12th and 13th centuries.

The town is now known for its ramparts, Tower, and subterranean caves which were used to store and display goods for trade. 

Ramparts built between 11th & 13th centuries

Caesar's Tower

Vaulted caverns used to display goods

Diorama representing spice trader in the Grange aux Dimes

You can learn more about the town's history here.