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| Bordeaux |
The tour group I was with was soon on its way in the bus to a Saint Emilion, a medieval village which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The village is quaint and quirky with a lovely 'feel' to it. As we walked through the village along cobbled streets our guide stopped to point out areas of interest and architecture including La Façade Muraille – part of a wall of an old convent, the old convent market, the King’s Tower and Cadene Gate. Much of what the guide talked about I couldn't follow because I was concentrating on keeping an eye on guests, which was a bit of a pity.
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| Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion (picture from the internet) |
We had a wander around Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion and it was only when we stepped outside the church, via a different door, that I realised that Paul and I had been to St. Emilion and explored the town a bit at that time.
Being on a guided tour today I got to see a bit more of the village, including the entrance to the catacombs, seeing the Hermitage and Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion (an underground church) and relics from the 11th and 12th centurys. The underground church was formed out of a natural grotto. Unfortunately modern day supports have been put locked around the original pillar supports because of the porosity of the rock. I was not allowed to take photographs of the underground church so have managed to find a photograph on the internet to show you what it looked like (when I went it was a lot darker inside with just the minimum of light). It was fine to take photos in a tiny chapel above the Hermitage, the Hermitage being below ground level.
After the tour we had a bit of free time to wander around the village and explore further before heading back to Bordeaux and the ship.
Paul was hectically busy when I got back, in meetings with the 'big bosses' from Holland America Line, so I ended up taking a walk along the promenade, hoping to visit the market close to the ship. Unfortunately most stalls had closed down by the time I got there so I continued walking, reached a bridge and then walked back to the ship.
We are docked overnight in Bordeaux so will give guests and staff time to experience the nightlife and enjoy a meal out if they wish. We depart at around 8am so it gives everyone a good few hours to relax.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Through Bordeaux, en route to St. Emilion
St. Emilion
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Chateau du Roy
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Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion
Clocher de l'Eglise Monolithe
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| Clocher de l'Eglise Monolithe with the underground church (Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion) seemingly below the ramparts but actually in a grotto |
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| Clocher de l'Eglise Monolithe with underground church below. In the foreground is a street café. |
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| Doors to Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion, the underground church/grotto and catacombs |
The Hermitage & chapel
More of St Emilion
En route back to Bordeaux and views from the ship
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| The final resting place of a sailing vessel of some sorts |
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