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.
Spent yesterday evening and today wandering around the city of Orange in Provence. The Arc de Triomphe lies on the route of Agrippa and is dedicated to those who founded the Roman Colony of Orange in the 1st century.
Today we explored one of the most impressive Roman theatres in Europe, the Théâtre Antique, checked out the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire and visited the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth.
We are staying in a 17th century stone building, now the warmly hospitable L’Herbier D’Orange, set in a tiny square close by the Roman Theatre.
Arriving in the town of St Quentin we immediately spotted a bronze shell set into the pavement. We followed the line of shells denoting an ancient pilgrimage route until the medieval Basilica came into view.
Set into the flagstone pavement at the west end of the nave lay a beautiful stone labyrinth. Walking the path was a reflective and intentional way to begin our travels in Europe.
We arrived in France yesterday morning and drove south stopping at St Quentin for lunch. Here I found a Tricolore alongside the European Flag. Felt appropriate.
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