HOMEWARD BOUND

After 3 weeks walking through a dream in France it is back to Melbourne for Mr & Mrs J.  It might take a while to build a fresh collection but we hope to bring you our daily photo from the most populous southern city on the globe tomorrow. All walked out - Mr & Mrs J.

PONT D'AVIGNON REFLECTIONS

When confusion reigns separate the colours; the blues, the pinks, the gold and regard them one at a time. Bon Vivant Mr & Mrs J. 

Shared with Weekend Reflections. 

PALAIS DES PAPES ACROSS THE RHONE

The Palais Des Papes in Avignon is spectacular from any angle but when enhanced by the reflections in the Rhone River magic happens. Your in Awe Mr & Mrs J. 

Shared with Sky Watch Friday. 

PLACE DE L'HORLOGE - AVIGNON

In Place De L'Hologe (Clock Tower Square) all eyes were on the merry go round not the clock tower.  Cheers J&J.

WEDDING DAY IN AVIGNON

On the Saturday we were in Avignon Brides and Grooms were everywhere.  This happy couple were having photographs taken on the banks of the Rhone.  They asked us to take a photograph of them and there entire wedding party.  The explained that their family was spread far and wide so they were having celebrations in a number of cities. Avignon was their fourth.  Bon Vivant to the Happy Couple J&J.

PONT D'AVIGNON (PONT SAINT-BENEZET)

Pink flood lights celebrate the four remaining arches of the Pont D'Avignon beneath a cloak of blue. Bon Vivant J&J.

A STAIRWELL FOR A STAGE - AVIGNON

A stairwell for a stage!  Street musicians serenaded the tourists just about anywhere and everywhere in Avignon.  Bon Vivant J&J.

PALAIS DES PAPES - POPES PALACE - AVIGNON

Three weeks and a third location - Avignon, France.  When we turned the corner we thought we were on a film set.  Gulp - it was real!  This is the Popes Palace one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.  This papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th Century.  A time when the Popes resided in France.  Astounded J&J.

D'ARTAGNAN - LYON

It was as if there was a surprise around every corner. Could that be D'Artagnan heading towards us? All for one and one for all .... Cheers J&J.

PONT BONAPARTE, LYON

Pont Bonaparte shines under the night sky. Bon Vivant J&J.

Shared with Sky Watch Friday. 

CAROUSEL - LYON

Not only do the carousels spin across Paris they also spin in Lyon. We discovered this on in Place de La Republique. Cheers from Mr & Mrs J.

FONTAINE BARTHOLDI - LYON

Frozen in mid stride these horses have been gracing Place Des Terreaux in Lyon since 1892.  Bon Vivant J&J.

PASSERELLE PAUL-COUTURIER

From old Lyon to new Lyon over the Saone River on the Passerelle Paul-Couturier Bridge. Bon Vivant J&J.

LE COMPTOIR DU BOEUF - LYON

I had read that many consider Lyon to be the food capital of France and old Lyon was known for its mysterious and intriguing cobblestoned lanes.  We found it all to be true. The lanes were lined with quirky and surprising cafes and restaurants.  Salut J&J.

WELCOME TO LYON

This photograph is of Vieux Lyon on the banks of the Saone River.  The cathedral in the distance is St George, one of three cathedrals along the Saone.  The old city is threaded with narrow, cobble stoned streets and even narrower lanes rising to the top of Fourviere Hill.  Cars cannot access many of the areas.  More of the narrow streets later. 

While waiting at the traffic lights in front of St George one night a car pulled up to the curb and the driver called me over saying something in French.  "Je suis desole" I said; "Anglais?" "Non" was the reply and he called someone else over. The pedestrian nodded and began lifting out the bollards which prevented the cars from entering this section of the old city.  The driver smiled at me and pointed indicating he wanted me to help remove the other bollards. I complied hoping I wasn't breaking any laws. The car drove through and as we were replacing the bollards he stepped out of his car adjusting his white robes.  He turned out to be the parish priest of St George.  I guess no laws were broken.

Bon Vivant J & J.

NOTRE DAME REFLECTIONS

We will end our Paris collection with this reflection of Notre Dame. We have so many more photos of Paris and one may pop up from time to time.  Tomorrow we move on to Lyon.  Join us. A Bientot, Mr & Mrs J.

Shared with Weekend Reflections.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

After emerging from the metro station, Charles de Gaulle Etoile, this was the sight that greeted us.  I had forgotten how big the Arc de Triomphe is!  Clear blue skies made for a wonderful view from the top.  Bon Vivant J. 

Shared with Sky Watch Friday. 

SACRE COEUR

We were fortunate to find Sacre Coeur more populated by pigeons than people when we arrived.  Bon Vivant J. 

PARISIENNES

This was our first sight as we entered Rue Mouffetard heading for the famous street market.  We were admiring this lady's pets and she did not hesitate to say "Oui" when we asked her for a photo.  She was very proud of her "petite chiens" and enthusiastically wished us a good holiday in Paris. The people of Paris were delightful.  Bon Vivant J&J.

THE LOUVRE AND COUR NAPOLEON

Panorama of the Cour Napoleon surrounded by the Louvre beneath the perfect sky. Bon Vivant J&J.  PS - sometimes wide angle is the only way to go.