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Grand Tour of Europe - 2023
  • Stephen and Debbie
  • Stephen and Debbie

Grand Tour of Europe - 2023

Finally! Our Grand Tour of Europe is here. 90 days travelling through the United Kingdom, France, (with a brief visit to Belgium) and then on to Italy, before finishing with a few days in Dubai. Read more
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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    My new boatMy smaller boatCathedral de MonacoCathedralPrincess Grace grave in cathedralPrince Rainier grave in cathedralThe Royal PalaceThe changing of the guard.Botanic GardensStarting grid for the Monaco Grand PrixCap-Ferrat - most expensive real estate in France is here.

    Monaco

    June 16, 2023 in Monaco ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today was yet another highlight. It was off to Monaco. 🇲🇨 Along the way, we stopped at the Fragonard perfume factory, where we saw how perfumes are manufactured (yawn) and where our credit card didn't escape unscathed (help).

    Then it was Monaco and the views of the spectacular drive along the Cote d'Azur. We saw houses that belong to the rich and famous - Elton John, Bill Gates, Rothschild's etc.

    Monaco is jam packed into the hillside and it seems everyone owns a Ferrari or Lamborghini. We went into the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried and saw the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace.

    The views of the marina and the ocean were quite stunning. We enjoyed our time there.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Eze

    June 16, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    After our time in Monaco, we headed back to Nice, but with a stop at the hilltop village of Eze. It is definitely a 'wow' place.

    The original village was built on top of a rocky crag and first populated in 2000BC. It’s been described as an ‘eagle’s nest’ and became a prized stronghold of the Celts and Romans. Much of it was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1887 destroyed it.

    At the top is the Jardin Ezotique, a garden of cactii which is worth seeing, but it was the view back towards Nice and across the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat that takes your breath away. It was worth the walk up the steep and narrow cobble-stoned walkways.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The grave of Marc Chagall. Apparently, he was a famous painter. He was born and died in St. Paul.1Petanqueb

    St. Paul de Vence

    June 17, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Perched upon a hill top, St. Paul de Vence offers plenty of art galleries, as it was once a hot spot for artists and actors.

    It’s a small medieval looking town with old stone houses and walls from the 15th-16th centuries. We had great views of the coast and the mountains.

    This was one of our favourite places, probably helped by the fact that when we got there the car park was empty and we were pretty much the only ones in town.

    Before we left, we all had a morning drink and a game of petanque in the town square, where Princess Grace used to bring her Hollywood friends for aperitifs and games of petanque.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The artists market in one of the town squares.There was a wedding in the church.The bride was beautiful .... of course.A late afternoon aperitif is the custom in Aix - a glass of Rose from Provence.Apparently the best patisserie in Aix.

    Aix-en-Provence

    June 17, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We then left the French coast and headed for Aix-en-Provence. It was founded by Roman Consul Sextius Calvinus in 123 BC. He called it Aquae Sextiae, which means "Waters of Sextius," nafter the warm springs in the area.

    The town features plenty of springs and fountains and it is yet another town that we have really enjoyed.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Arles Town Hall
    Roman TheatreRoman TheatreRoman AmphitheatreMore narrow, cobblestoned streets.Cafe where Van Gogh spent a lot of time - rebuilt after WWII.Looks good!The Church of St. Trophime1ArlésiennesArlésiennesLanglois BridgeThe Rhone River at Arles.

    Arles

    June 18, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Arles dates from Roman times and is on the Rhone River in the Camargue region of southern France.

    It features the remains of a Roman theatre and amphitheatre, which are still used for events today.

    The Church of St. Trophime is a former cathedral built around the 13th century in the centre of town. There was a wedding there, which meant we had a chance to see Arlésiennes - the women of Arles - and their beautiful dresses, a style which developed in the 18th century.

    Arles is perhaps best known as the one-time home of Vincent van Gogh. He lived here for only a bit over one year, but in that time, he painted over 300 paintings, including ones of the Langlois Bridge, which we saw on the outskirts of town. It was in Arles that he cut off his ear and committed himself to a mental asylum. Arles was heavily bombed in WWII and many other sites associated with Van Gogh were destroyed.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Pont du Gard

    June 18, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 km to the Roman colony of Nimes and across the river Gardon. It is the tallest of all Roman aqueducts, as well as one of the best preserved. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    1Pont d'Avignon
    The walls surrounding AvignonPalais des PapesRhone River in Avignon

    Avignon

    June 18, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Avignon, in the Rhone Valley, is another town that dates back to the Romans.

    It features the Palais des Papes (Popes Palace), where the Pope lived in the 1300's - it's a complicated story. It was extensively damaged during the French Revolution and is now yet another UNESCO World Heritage site.

    The Notre Dame des Doms cathedral was built in 1150 and is the oldest monument on the Place du Palais des Papes. It has a golden statue of the Madonnna on the bell tower.

    The Pont d’Avignon was built in the 13th century, but in the 1600's two floods destroyed all but 4 of the original 22 arches. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Chateau de Luc

    June 19, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Today we left Nice and had a morning stop at Chateau de Luc, in Luc-sur-Orbieu. This is the home of the Fabre family and their multiple wineries. They have been making wine since 1605 and at this winery since the 1800's.

    Luc-sur-Orbieu, in the southwest corner of France, is in the Languedoc region, which is the largest wine producing region in France. It is a hot and dry region, producing mainly Syrah, Grenache and Rose.

    The Fabre family produces 1.5 million bottles a year and the company is still family owned and run. Their underground cellar dates from the 1400's.

    We tried a Viogner, Cinsault and a 2020 Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre blend, which was the best.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Carcassonne

    June 19, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Our next stop was Carcassonne, which sits above and beside the River Aude on a rock occupied since before the arrival of the Romans. The ramparts and fortifications that we can see today date from the 11th-14th centuries.

    It has an outer wall and an inner wall, which made successful attacks on the city almost impossible. Their are great views of the city from the ramparts.

    After Carcassonne, we left for a two night stay at Albi.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The view from Cords Sur Ciel.
    The entry gate.1Window shopping only allowed.1I had to Google this as I couldn't get a good one.

    Cords-Sur-Ciel

    June 20, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Today began with a half-hour drive to what is known as the village in the sky - Cords Sur Ciel - rated as one of the prettiest villages in France and it's easy to see why. Even better, there was hardly anyone there.

    It was built in the 1200's to protect the scattered population of the area from conflict and religious persecution. It is now home to artists and craft shops.

    It is referred to as the village in the sky because at times, clouds can obscure the bottom half of the mountain it is built on, thus giving the appearance it is above the clouds.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    1Cathedral Saint-Cecille1

    Albi

    June 20, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    After Cords Sue Ciel, we spent the afternoon exploring Albi.

    Albi is on the Tarn River and is dominated by the Cathedral Saint-Cecille, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is yet another town that dates from the Roman times.

    The cathedral was built over 200 years between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is the largest brick church in the world and also has the most wall paintings of all churches. We have seen a lot of churches over the last seven weeks and all are special and unique in their own way. They all make a statement.

    Albi is also where artist Toulouse Lautrec was born and there is a museum beside the cathedral where many of his works are displayed.

    French Explorer La Perouse was also from Albi.

    The bridges over the Tarn are impressive and are also part of the UNESCO heritage site.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The Pont Valentre on the River Lot
    Outdoor markets1I thought we were getting a glass this size at our tasting, but sadly not.Our lunch spot.

    Cahors

    June 21, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Our morning drive was through farmlands - wheat, rye, corn, sunflowers, potatoes - no wonder there is great food in France. You can see why when you see their crops.

    We were making our way towards Cahors. It is a Roman and Middle Ages town on the Lot River. It features the Pont Valentre - a 14th-century fortified bridge built to defend Cahors, which at the time was a town of very wealthy merchants. It is another UNESCO heritage site.

    We had a wine tasting before a wander around the outdoor food markets. The Cahors region is known for what it refers to as 'black' wine, which is the dark merlot grape.

    The markets are your supermarket in France and their produce is pretty special. We had some fruit and cheese for lunch and found a spot on the river to have it.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Rocamadour

    June 21, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Rocamadour is a stunning village that clings to the side of a cliff overlooking the Alzou River. It has been a Christian pilgrimage site since the Middle-Ages, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 1 million visitors a year. 

    There are 216 stairs that the pilgrims used to climb on their knees while reciting their rosaries.  We caught the lift.

    The Chapel of Notre Dame is the most important holy shrine, where pilgrims came to worship the statue of the Black Madonna on their way to Santiago in Spain.

    The drive from Rocamadour to our hotel at La Roque Gageac through the Dordogne Valley was very special, probably some of the prettiest country we have seen.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    A reproduction of one of the paintings.
    Lascaux entryLascaux exitThe discoverers.The original entry hole that was discovered. It is in a very secure area.e

    Lascaux Caves

    June 22, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    Lascaux is a network of caves with over 600 wall paintings covering the interior walls and ceilings. They are the combined effort of many generations and the age of the paintings is estimated at around 21,000 years. Lascaux is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    They were accidentally discovered in 1940 by local teenagers. Visitors then caused them to deteriorate and they were closed to the public and sealed in 1963.

    The caves had remained undiscovered and in pristine condition because the entrance had at one stage caved in and was only found because one of the boys dogs sniffed around a tiny opening in the ground, which they then expanded and crawled into. It's a fascinating story.

    In the 1970s, an exact replica of part of the caves was constructed in the nearby hillside and this is what you visit.

    They are simply amazing and it was a very special place to visit. A definite highlight.

    You can not take photos inside, so these ones of the paintings came from Google.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The Dordogne Valley is the home of foie gras.The search for lunch begins ...This dish of the day' wins ....It was a good choice and the omelettes were great.The winning restaurant.Sarlat also has great produce.

    Sarlat-la-Caneda

    June 22, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    Sarlat-la-Caneda is a pretty French village in the Dordogne Valley. It is home to the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century architecture of any town in France.

    It has a maze of narrow streets and Gothic and Renaissance mansions. It was yet another highlight of our trip.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    La Roque Gageac
    Chateau de la MalartrieThe DordogneChayeau de CastelnaudThe Marqueyssac GardensA male Grey HeronOur bagare

    La Roque Gageac

    June 22, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    Just when we think we have seen the most amazing French village ever, we visit another one. La Roque Gageac, built into the cliffs beside the Dordogne, is right up there with the best of them.

    The homes built high up into the cliffs - you can just see the window openings - date from the viking days and were originally built as a refuge for the locals when the vikings launched raids from the Dordogne. The houses below these date from the 14th century.

    The river Dordogne was for centuries the commercial hub of the valley and river boats known as 'gabares' transported goods to towns and villages along its banks.

    We cruised on a replica gabare and had great views of the village and nearby chateaus.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Paris

    June 23, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today was a travel day as we headed back to Paris from the Dordogne.

    We are staying at Le Meridien Etoile, the largest hotel in Paris with 1300 rooms.

    Tonight was boring but practical - washing, ironing and reorganising our bags.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    1Monet's houseClaude Monet

    Giverny & Monet's Gardens

    June 24, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we visited the village of Giverny and the gardens designed and built by artist Claude Monet. He lived there from 1873 until his death in 1926 and was where he painted many of his most famous works.

    The gardens were in full bloom and were spectacular with plenty of colour.

    Unfortunately, there were also plenty of people - it was a Saturday, warm and sunny and there were river cruise liners moored in the nearby Seine. You could barely move, which made it quite unpleasant and every one of them wanted the perfect selfie with multiple shots, especially on the lily pond bridge.

    The queues to get in his house and even the gift shop were ridiculous so we gave both a miss.

    But the flowers and gardens were still spectacular!! I managed to take some photos avoiding other people.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Montmatre

    June 24, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    After returning from Giverny, we went on a food tour in the food district of Montmartre.

    Here we sampled pastries, charcuterie, fromage (cheese) and bread, all of which were delicious.

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    La Coupol

    June 24, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Tonight we had a celebration dinner in one of the most famous brasseries in Paris - La Coupol - in the Montparnasee district.

    It reached its fame in the 1920's and 30's with regular customers being authors, writers and film stars.

    It was packed tonight, as it is every night, and the food was pretty good.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Joan of Arc memorial
    Joan of Arc museumNormandy is famous for its fishing and the fish at the fish market looked pretty good.This looked good too.

    Rouen

    June 25, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Today we left Paris on the second part of our Insight 'French Heritage' Tour. We will spend the next week in Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley.

    Our first stop was at Rouen. It is one of the most ancient and historic cities in France. It was founded by the Romans and later ruled by the Vikings and was also where Joan of Arc was burned was burned alive, aged 19, on 30th May, 1431. A large cross marks the spot.

    Rouen is also home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has the tallest spire in France.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Honfleur

    June 25, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Honfleur, on the Normandy Coast, is a medieval town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and a beautiful harbour. It is on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel,

    We ran into the river cruise liners again - heaps of them!!Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The view from our room
    Barriere du Golf hotelDeauville racecourse from our roomThe club houseThis is how you get picked up after your game of golf.1Rothshild family home in DeauvilleDeauville CasinoNormandie HotelThe beachThe little beach huts after named after fhe famous people who have used them.The Seine at Deauville1Sunset on the beach - 9:45pm.View from our room - 10:30pm.

    Deauville

    June 25, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    Deauville on the Normandy coast of the English Channel, is where the rich and famous of France have holiday homes. It is famous for its beachfront hotels and casinos.

    The region is also the centre of French racehorse breeding - dominated by Arab owned studs.

    We stayed at the Barriere du Golf hotel on the Deauville golf course - very special and with great views from our room.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Pointe de Hoc
    Bomb craterThis gives an indication of the steepness of the cliff.

    Normandy - Pointe de Hoc

    June 26, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    6th June 1944 - D Day & Operation Overload

    Our visit here was something we had been looking forward to, not so much for what we would see, but what we would experience.

    This really hit home when we got to the beaches where the landings took place. American Rangers landed here at Pointe du Hoc on June 6 with orders to climb the cliff and take control of German gun emplacements.

    Words are pointless. What brave men. What a loss of life.    Read more

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