One of the joys of travelling is the unexpected. Moret-sur -Loing had surprised me in the discovery that half timbered buildings are not the preserve of ye olde England. The towns of Sens, Joigny and Auxerre are full of narrow winding streets of ancient, sagging, leaning buildings. Part of their charm is that many are pretty shabby looking - not having been given the equivalent of botox and a face lift they look their age and in my opinion all the better for it. Most of these towns are dominated by wonderful Gothic churches set high on hills. The mean streets below seem to be full of hairdressers. Being August, everyone is on holiday the only people around being tourists roaming the streets looking in vain for an open restaurant. So far I have learned that between 12 and 4 each day and for the whole of the month of August, France is closed.
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| Sens |
At the last lock before Joigny the lock keeper was at pains to tell us something. We weren't sure what though. Eventually he pointed to the sky and said 'Boom! Boom!" A thunderstorm perhaps?? What it turned out to be was the most wonderful firework display to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of the town in 1944. We had grandstand seats on our boat and as the almost full moon rose behind the church on the hill the lights illuminating the arched bridge over the river were switched off. A few minutes of silence passed and then a voice over the sound system read a moving speech remembering those who fought and died for France, followed by some songs of the Resistance. Then 'boom! boom!' to music. Unexpected and magnificent.
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Thanksfor visiting, Libby and Brian. Also for the delicious haggis.
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| Joigny, R Yonne |
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| Auxerre |
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| Tour d'Horloge, Auxerre. Magnificent golden sundial on gateway to pedestrian precinct. |
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| Following 'Elizabeth' into Auxerre |
The Yonne! Our favourite river - did you visit Villeneuve? - our favourite town and restaurant. Mike S, Gouda
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