Alès - at the foot of the Cévennes

In a region with warm weather, the Mediterranean blue sky and a singing accent, in a beautiful scenery where olive and chestnut trees coexist with vineyards, between garrigues and mountains, you can find the city of Alés. An ideal entry door to go to the discovery of the secret Cévennes mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

garrigues: open shrubby vegetation of dry Mediterranean regions, consisting of spiny or aromatic dwarf shrubs interspersed with colourful ephemeral species.

Ardèche Gorges - The Grand Canyon of Europe

 

 

Around 60km north from Alés, the Ardèche Gorges sit at the base of the Massif Central, below the Cévennes Mountains.

Spectacular limetstone cliffs tower the river meadering below.

 

 

Extraordinary natural beauty

 

 

 

Enjoy canyoning down the river over a distance of your choice. The best location to appreciate the magnificent scenery, spectular views - A great experience!

Don't forget plenty water and sun cream and if you decide to go on a longer distance bring along lunch and snacks.

We did yesterday and it was just a great day !

Anduze - gateway to the Cévennes

Not far from Alès, Anduze is a medieval city with stunning cliffs of rock formations.

 

Fabulous views, charm anc character.

At the end of the 13th century, Anduze was the main center in the area for the silk industry. In th 16th and 17th century, it was the center of Protestantism in the Cévennes.


The fountain pagoda, a curious fountain of oriental style, was built in 1648 by a local silk grower who had traveled to China to bring back silk worms.

 



Anduze is also well known for its large garden pots with a distinctive pattern and shape.

In the summer, the town is overwhelmed with tourists. I find it at its best off season.

 

Nîmes - roman city

Nîmes is one of the most attractive towns in Mediterranean France and has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire.

Nîmes old town has narrow streets typical to the South of France.

The Maison Carrée is the best preserved Roman temple anywhere.

The 2000 years old Nîmes arena is still used as a venue for events today, including concerts and French bull fighting.

Nîmes contemporary coat of arms is a crocodile chained to a palm tree, it can be found all over the town -even on bronze studs in the paving of the old town.

Did you know? In the 17th century a fabric -mix of whool and silk- called Serge de Nîmes was developed there. The term denim has its roots in this fabric but has evolved to pure cotton in the US.


Nîmes is my 20s and student life, many friends, many memories, many celebrations and my one & only goddaughter. 

Jogging in our hood

Le 14 Juillet, La Fête Nationale, Bastille Day

That meant our village party, apéritif, dinner, lantern parade, fireworks, dancing and many friends!

ÇA SENT LE MIDI!

 

le Midi
masculine noun
(=region)
the Midi, the South of France

 

 

Bleu-Blanc-Rouge

 

 

Hanko





In Hanko, port town on the south coast of Finland -130km west of Helsinki- the sun shines more often than elsewhere in Finland!

Hanko is wooden houses and buildings, sandy beaches (30km), leisure harbours and a beautiful archipelago with over 90 islands and islets within the city limits.

The city of Hanko was founded when the port and the railway line were built in 1874. Hanko Spa brought then splendid villas and boarding houses for the Russian nobility on summer holidays.

During the Hangon Regatta, major summer event in Hanko, sailing enthusiasts compete and not so sailing enthusiasts party.

Porvoo Old Town

Porvoo, one of Finland's six medieval town, is just an hour drive away from Helsinki, or in the summer a few hours by steamboat through the archipelago.

The Old Porvoo is a pituresque city with its medieval cobblestoned alleys, its brightly colored red wooden shore houses, the beautiful Cathedral as well as its antique & craft shops lining on the main roads Välikatu and Kirkkokatu.

Porvoo Old Town was mostly built after the Great Fire of 1760. It has been an important centre of trade and the shore were once used to store goods. Many are now Porvoo's prime residential area. Originally, the shore houses were painted red in honor of the arrival of Gustav III, the king of Sweden.

Porvoo Cathedral was built at the turn of the 14th century. It has been burnt down five times, most recently in 2006.




Have a stroll in the streets East of the Cathedral; Itäinen Pitkäkatu is one of the nicest.



 

 

 

I Love Porvoo. It's the most beautiful city in Finland! I don't count the times I have wandered its streets and for sure I will return!

-c-

Vintage/Retro/Secondhand & a twist of modern

Entering the Doris & Duke secondhand shop located in Porvoo is like entering a world of its own.
 

The colours, the decoration, the setup, the clothes, the shoes... everything made it bewitching.

What you'll find: selected vintage/secondhand shoes and clothes, hats and belts as well as new jewels and gift items -not forgetting very friendly service!

You'll Love It!

-c-