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Monday, 7 May 2012

A Day with the Romans …in France !

I was up early, to the sight of a really clear blue sky, and realising it would be hot later, had decided to get going into Narbonne, before the heat of the day (and everything shutting down at 12 !)

So, by 9 a.m. I was riding along the Canal de le Robine, and into Narbonne itself.  http://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/Languedoc/city-guides/narbonne.php I firstly found some stuff in the Tourist Information office,IMG_0627 then across to the St Just –St Pasteur Cathedral http://www.amisdesmusees-narbonne.org/musees/stjust.html , a vast Gothic Cathedral from the 11th Century, where interestingly was painted the cross of St George…still don’t know why ?

IMG_0634Then around this vast space, with all it’s differing side chapels then I was back outside into the hot sunshine, and a quick ride across town to the Basilica of St Paul Serge, http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/narbonne-basilica-st-paul-serge.htm  one of the oldest Gothic churches in the South of France…and it looked it !IMG_0642 It did have some great examples of stained glass, which were very deep colours, shining in the sunlight from outside , IMG_0647and a very unusual ‘resident in the Holy Water font.. ready for lift off ?

Then I was back across town,briefly calling into the large market hall, although a lot of the stalls were closed, it being Monday !

IMG_0675Then…why the Romans, well to the Via Dometia , a piece of Roman Road, from when the Romans were here, around the time of Christ, and Narbonne was on the ‘road’ between Rome and Spain, and an important base for the Romans.. and further up the road to the Roman Horreum  http://travel.viamichelin.com/web/Destination/France-Languedoc_Roussillon_Tarn_Gorges-Narbonne/Tourist_Site-Horreum-Rue_Rouget_de_l_Isle , a unique monument and subterranean caverns, IMG_0660containing lots of old pieces of sculpture, depicting Roman life, chariots,gladiators.. very interesting (especially as I had to pay $4 to see them  !)IMG_0663 and I seem to recognise this person…wonder who SHE is ??

Then, it was time to go , Narbonne was closing for lunch, and I had a ride back to the campsite, lunch, snooze and then a swim in the pool for a bit, it being another hot afternoon…and my ‘tan’ is building nicely…although I’m not a ‘sunbather’ I have to have my Vitamin ‘D’ !!

However en route back I did see an otter swimming in the Canal, obviously disturbed by me..IMG_0679and with that, it’s –Bonne Nuit !

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