Another sunny day. We set off to visit the medieval castle of Berzé which we had passed on our way to Solutré.
In 1229 this 10th century castle was transformed into the major defensive castle for the Abbey of Cluny. It now dominates the vineyards of the Lamartinian Valley.
The dramatic presentation of medieval fighting was well done despite our general dislike of military combat.
Two days ago summer arrived in Burgundy. We headed out to visit the steep limestone slopes of Solutré-Pouilly. This was an area first inhabited around 52,000 years ago by Crog-Manon people of the Mousterian era. They hunted bison, aurochs and mammoths which populated the valleys and slopes.
We walked the path to the top of the fossilised coral outcrop. The shape of the hill reminded us of Roseberry Topping in North Yorkshire. We sat on the summit with only gorgeous butterflies for company. The countryside today is covered in vineyards of the Mâconnais.
It is a gift to have the time to stop and really see what is around us. We are enjoying the simple beauty of this limestone countryside with its beautiful flowers, trees, insects and animal life.
Spring is a lovely time to be in Burgundy. We are beginning to note the changes as buds blossom and leaves unfurl and Charolais calves race up and down the field opposite during their early evening mad half hour.
Two days ago a new baby was born into our family. We ‘met’ via FaceTime. It is hard to put into words how much love flowed in that virtual world.
May she know without doubt the love of her family and friends. May she know the kind heartedness of those she encounters. May her life be full of all that will deepen her humanity. May she live in the simplicity, compassion and joy that makes for peace.
In 10,000 BCE stone-age humans hunted horses in the area now known as Solutré in Burgundy. These days a different relationship exists between these impressive animals and local Burgundians.
We spent a wet and chilly afternoon watching a horse jumping competition in the nearby town of Cluny. This medieval town is famous for its historic horse stud, the Haras national de Cluny, and proves a wonderful venue for the modern equestrian events which take place throughout the year.
Took a drive into Macon to do some essential jobs and wander the city along the west bank of the Saône. The river was in full spate and although a canoe would have made it under the arches of the 11th century Saint-Laurent Bridge a higher craft might not be so fortunate.
The west facade of the Eglise de Saint-Pierre shone in the breaking sunshine. Entering the dark interior I was drawn to the small patches of light.
Visited the lovely town of Tournous mainly to see the Abbey and the 12th century mosaics of the months of the year and signs of the zodiac that were discovered during restoration work.
We took a wrong turn and ended up in the town square where crowds had gathered to watch the Paris to Cannes ‘Ancient’Motor Tour pass through. A great atmosphere with free pizza for all.
We drove on to Chardonnay where we ate our picnic. As we wound our way back along the country lanes towards Cluny we found ourselves caught up in the car rally. Our speed picked up a little more than usual!
Wandered to Ameugny, the next village along the ridge. After cold, wet weather these last days, the sunshine was wonderful.
We stopped to listen to birdsong we didn’t recognise and to enjoy the wildflowers in the fields and along the hedgerows. The trees are coming into leaf and blossom gloriously.
We arrived in our beloved village of Taizé in Burgundy yesterday. It is a joy to be here. We feel at home in this place for body, mind and soul. We have a month before we move on, which is the longest time we will have stayed in the same place since August 1st 2015.
For any followers who do not know, Taizé village is also the home of the monastic ecumenical community of Taizé. All are welcomed to their rhythm of prayer during the day and those who stay with the community join with other pilgrims in study, work, conversations and fun!
We are staying in a gite a walking distance from the community. We hope to enjoy a regular rhythm of song and contemplation with the thousands who will be here on the hill over the next weeks.
We took a short walk through the fields and vineyards surrounding the place where we are staying in Commugny, just north of the City of Geneva. The landscape reminded us for all the world of East Lothian (apart from the vineyards!)
Wandering the shore of Lake Geneva both yesterday and today, we noticed the shifts in light and mood of sky and water. A beautiful and gentle place.
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