Neuchâtel

Another hot day in Neuchâtel, but with a cooling breeze off the lake for most part of the day. We got out early to explore the town, caught the bus into the centre where we were given good advice from the very friendly guy at the tourist office. With our map in hand, we set off to unravel the mysteries of this very splendid city. 

Our notes suggested that the first mention of the city was over 1000 year ago. Since then it has been burnt down twice, and obviously rebuilt to what we see today.  Neuchâtel has a population of about 34,000 people, but its infrastructure gives the impression of a much larger city - obviously a very wealthy city. 

The renaissance fountains, again are a feature of the city. These former laundry spots are now a focus point around the city, each tell their own story and date from the middle of the 16th century. Today many people were seen cooling off by using the water to wash their face and hands - the water is so clear that it may be possible to drink. 

The gardens are another feature throughout the city. Great care has been taken with these wherever we looked. 

The day was starting to warm up by the time we reached the lower levels of the Château, many steps in front of us, but, like true warriors, we were up for the challenge. It is thought that there had been an old castle on the site before this one was built in the 11th century. The climb was worthwhile for along the Château’s walls you get a great view across Lake Neuchâtel. 

Around the city are many animal sculptures by an Italian artist, Davide Rivalta. These are very impressive and popular with many school groups on excursions today. 

Other sculptures and art around the city blended well with the old city and modern additions. Along the lakeside, a very picturesque setting, we found more sculptures. 

More gardens, French style, are found at the Hôtel du Peyrou, a magnificent Louis XVI style mansion. Today the garden is only small compared with what it originally looked like when it extended right down to the lakeside. What remains of the garden gives us a glimpse of what it may have been like. 

Some other photos worthy of a look:

By the early afternoon it was starting to get much warmer - nearly 30 degrees - so we decided to head back to the van and bunker down for the rest of the day.  The cooling beeeze kept conditions rather pleasant for the rest of the day. 

And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!

Besançon 2

Very late to rise this morning! The city was well and truly at work before the shutters were raised. A much cooler morning but no rain in sight. A walk along the River Doubs in the cool of the day was very pleasant passing through an interesting riverside parkland with some intricate planting. 


Returning by the city side of the river, The Citadelle was an inviting challenge. So, to the top I went - a few hundred steps later and I was feeling my age. The massive construction nowadays is the home of a zoo, a museum, a multimedia presentation, an aquarium, a museum of the resistance, and other “stuff”!  

The afternoon was about getting over this morning! A little bit of sorting and planning, along with some further R ‘n R. 

An interesting piece of urban art near where we stopped. 

Another pic of The Citadelle and Hilton! 

Provins

It rained off and on overnight which meant we were awake for a good part of the storms. The  morning, though, was pleasant even if a little overcast. 

A slower morning whilst catching up with some house work before heading off to Coulommiers. 

In the 11th and 12th century, the village of Coulommiers was built along the Grand Morin. Tanneries along the Grand Morin became the economic heart of the town - and this remained so for over 800 years, with the last tannery closing in 1934. In the 17th century a castle was built but suffered during the Revolution! Today the beautiful Capuchins Garden are on the land where the castle formerly stood. 

After spending time in Coulommiers we drove on to Provins, a World Heritage site, where we stopped for lunch and a visit. We arrived on a day when nearly all the schools in the district we on an excursion. Over 2000 school children were here for a day’s outing before their term finishes. They are so fortunate to have a site like this to visit on a day like this. 

We wandered, look and clicked!  Provins, a medieval village, became famous during the Middle Ages as a vital trading route within Europe. The Earls of Champagne became very powerful due to their family controlling these lands. Today the remaining section of the walled city gives us a glimpse of the protection provided for villages at that the time. 

Later we drove further south to Gron where we stayed the night. 

Sheffield Park

A very peaceful night at The Gardeners Arms. Rain greeted us this morning and stayed with us for the rest of the day. 

We had planned to go to Sheffield Park for the morning but had second thoughts when we arrived there as it was raining heavily. A cup of coffee later we did what the English would do, pulled on the anorak and the wellies and got out into it!  Fortunately, the rain had ceased by the time we ventured out.  

Sheffield Park is known for its extensive and sumptuous gardens - in Oz, perhaps, better known for the Sheffield Shield. 

The overcast skies seemed to highlight the green of the trees and the colours of the flowers. We spent the best part of two hours wandering the many parts of this magnificent garden. 

This year the garden is commemorating the Candanian soldiers who were housed here from 1941-1944, and their participation in many of the great battles of WWII.  It brought back thoughts of Helene’s father who also was stationed a short distance away during the same period. 

Rain still falling as we drove through the Ashdown Forest on our way to Dover to catch the ferry to France. 

West Sussex

Another early getaway! We woke early and decided to get on the road and head southward towards Dorking. We had breakfast and did a little housekeeping.

Later we drove into Crawley where we need to shop before continuing on to Nymans Garden at Handcross. 

Another beautiful day with the temps getting up around  26 degrees, with a cooling breeze off the South  Downs providing sound relief. It’s now late in the afternoon and another thunderstorm is threatening. 

It was getting late in the day so we decided to drive in to Ardingly where we were staying the night at the Gardiner’s Arms. The sun was still high in the sky so we soak in the golden rays whilst enjoying a cool drink. 

Wales - The Most Exquisite Garden

Today we visited the most exquisite garden imaginable! Bodnant Garden lies in the foothills of Snowdonia and enjoys protection from the Irish Sea by being located in its own private valley. The array of colours and fragrances attract the senses at ever stage. The Golden Drop pergola (The Laburnum Arch) was the most outstanding feature, and famous across the UK.

At every turn a new perspective would open up. The garden has been a labour of love over 70 years and results are stunning. 

By this stage we were begining to head south from North Wales, and for a lunch break we called in to Penrhyn Castle. Here we found the Railway Museum — the Welsh love their trains - along with a very pleasantly presented castle. 

Further along the road we stopped again to visit the Plas Newydd Castle on the Isle of Anglesey. Again, we found a dynasty, over centuries, had made fortunes just so another could fritter it away. This family was one of the powerful aristocracts, very closely connected to the monarchy and Prime Ministers. A fascinating look at the rich and powerful! I can’t understand why there wasn’t a French style revolution. 

Beautifully views across the Straights of Menai.

Parts of the famous Whistler painting. 

The Marquess of Anglesey in his military uniform along side a painting of the battle of Waterloo- where he had his leg shot off by a canon ball. 

We later drove through Snowdonia National Park to the town of Borth for our overnight stop.