Graham
Photos, stories, and news from Graham Miln.
Rencontres – Fête des Lumières
“Rencontres” light show in front of Cathedral Saint Jean-Baptiste in Lyon, France.
Pont du Gard
We rented a car in Avignon and drove out to see the Pont du Gard. This is a large Roman aqueduct spanning a valley to the west of Avignon. The aqueduct has been well maintained and repaired. The mix of old and new stone is clear to the casual observer.
Festival of Lights
As always the exhibitions are stunning. Photos and footage can not do the event justice. The combination of cold, crowds, and spectacle is hard to beat.
Avignon
Avignon was the largest city we visited during our travels around the area. Avignon has maintained its city walls and is home to the grand Palace of the Popes.
Arles
Arles was never going to compare well having come from Nîmes. Arles has a connection with Vincent Van-Gogh; the painter lived in Arles’ hospital for many years and a number of Van-Gogh’s paintings are scenes of Arles.
Nîmes
Like many of the towns around Avignon, Nîmes can boast of a selection of Roman buildings including a coliseum. Monuments and gardens from later periods are also dotted around the town. There is more than enough to do to fill a few days of sightseeing.
Narbonne
Narbonne is a town near the Mediterranean coast in France. Its claim to fame is being home to the first Roman road in Gaul – which you can still see and stand on.
Design Tourism
The exhibit was thrilling but then I love furniture design and history. Something delightful about seeing the original chairs and tables that have now become iconic.
Saint Etienne
Saint Etienne however was not the prettiest French town. It felt functional and had all you could need living locally. It did not feel small either. The buildings and tower blocks appeared to stretch on for some distance.
Vienne
Vienne is a town half an hour south of Lyon. We visited during the summer months arriving and leaving by train. Vienne is one of many towns that line the River Rhône and form a strip of commuter friendly locations to live.