Blogs from Montignac, Aquitaine, France, Europe

Europe » France » Aquitaine » Montignac July 21st 2022

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After Bilbao we had originally planned to spend a few days in the Bordeaux wine region, but wildfires are currently sweeping Europe and 2 of the worst are in the Gironde south of Bordeaux. So we think it is better to avoid that area altogether. We’re aware of the unpredictable nature of fires and how fast they can move and don't want to be caught out. J finds a good place to stay in the Dordogne, another area I am keen to visit, it’s close to the Lascaux caves and also has a swimming pool. The drive is more than 500km so even by the AutoRoute this is over 5 hours, but it is not tiring particularly once we clear Bordeaux. South of the city we pass through an area with some smoke from the fires ... read more

Lascaux

Europe » France » Aquitaine » Montignac June 6th 2017

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WmMorris

Today I visited Lascaux. The famous cave paintings have actually been off limits to visitors since 1963, but there is a new (2017) full-scale replica of the cave contained in a museum that IS open to the public (see photo). I got my ticket online two months ago and I'm glad I did because the place was swamped with tourists. The crowds detracted from the experience a bit, but to see the paintings up close was exciting. (It is easy to forget that they are copies.) Cameras are not allowed inside, but there are replicas of the more famous paintings in the main building, so I took pictures of those (see photos). These paintings were done by Cro-Magnon man (see photo) around 15,000 - 20,000 years ago. These were Homo sapiens like you and me, i.e. ... read more

Montignac and Losse Chateau by scooter and it was hot hot hot

Europe » France » Aquitaine » Montignac September 9th 2012

Looking across from the south side of the river Vezere in Montignac

BobsJoy

A perfect day for a ride on the scooter, following the Vezere river, to Montignac. Glorious sunshine, no need for umbrellas or coats, only suntan lotion and hats. Just 8 miles and a pleasant ride with not much traffic and occasional cooling shade from the trees. We drove through Montignac last year en route for Sarlat from the campsite and made a note to visit it this year. It straddles the Vezere river with old parts of the town, half-timbered building on both sides of the river. Had a lovely stroll round the historic quarter partly following a tourist circuit when we happened to spot the signs, and stopped for a coffee in a bar overlooking the river and later, lunch at a creperie. It was so hot we had to move seats as we were ... read more

Through the back streets of old Montignac

The north side of the river Vezere in Montignac

Across country to Paradise in the Dordogne

Europe » France » Aquitaine » Montignac September 8th 2012

château de La Mercerie

BobsJoy

A busy Saturday on the roads to the coast today so we were pleased to be heading inland. We saw a mile long traffic jam queuing for a roundabout near Rochefort and concluded it was holiday traffic. On such a gorgeous sunny day not surprising if the while of France is heading for the coast. We left Ile de Réa a little reluctantly as we always love visiting the island and this last three days have been wonderfully relaxing, made more so by the fantastic weather. We got on very well with our Netherlands neighbours on one side. The English couple of the other side however were really quite rude and didn’t speak or even nod a good morning, to us, or anyone else for that matter, which is not at all the way to behave ... read more

Brief history of France

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader am...more history

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