Basilica Domrémy-la-Pucelle

The Basilica of Domrémy-la-Pucelle for Jeanne d'Arc.

I have moved and a new blog is now online Bonjour Marseille Come and have a look.

Statue of Jeanne d'Arc

A statue of Jeanne d'arc outside the Basilica of Domrémy-la-Pucelle.

Joan's Church

The church of Saint Remy in Domrémy-la-Pucelle where Jeanne d'Arc was baptized in 1412.

The house of Jeanne d'Arc

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts I am playing catch up with images that I have wanted to post on my photo-blog. This photo was taken in September 2007 whilst we were on vacation in northern France in the Lorraine region.

This is an image of the house where Jeanne d'Arc was born, situated in the village of Domrémy-la-Pucelle.

Lorraine is where my wife is from and I have had long history lessons on the subject of Joan of Arc - Jeanne d'Arc - and it is still ongoing as there as been a new book published recently which puts forwards the theory that she was not burnt at the stake by the English in Rouen on the 30th of May 1431.

More to follow..........

And for more information try Wikipedia

Luca Festival

I'm playing catch up with some images that I have wanted to post on my photo blog!!

Our grandson Luca getting ready for the festival in Recife, Brazil February 2008. He was there with his Mum and Dad to cerebrate his second birthday with his Mum's family. Nice to go off and visit your other Grandmother and family in a nice tropical climate when it is winter in the UK.

Photo Michael James

Charlie

Charlie the pigeon who still has not found a better home. After finding a bundle of feathers looking for food - she had fallen out of a nest late last summer - we hand fed the little thing. Now we have a pigeon that knows she is on to a good thing.

She always want to come for a ride in the car but as soon as I start the engine she's off!

Wilf Crossing

Taken in the out back of Australia by my friend Cyrat Nazir and knowing my love of Australia sent me this image. Next time I get down under I will have to look this place up!!

Réal Daily Photo has ceased to be daily! I do take my hat of to those that managed the time and have the dedication to continue to post images and information on a daily basis. I still have some images that I would like to post but they probably will not appear on a daily basis.

My thanks to Cyrat for sending me this great photo which might even be an obtuse way of describing my life over the past few months and perhaps I can explain about my absence for so long - that is if anybody still looks at this daily photo blog.

Image by Cyrat Nazir.

Charlie at Home

Our "pet" pigeon Charlie refused my lift in the car to find a new life for himself.

I offered Charlie the ride in the car to a nice spot down the road. His own tree, running water near by and plenty of grain in nearby fields, but......

He is still at home, enjoying the comforts of a warm home in the evening, whilst during the day he is out flying about.

Martine Ménard

Another photo from our recent trip to Paris.

Well known Céramiste Martine Ménard (on the right) with a studio and showroom in Le Marais.

If you are in Paris visit her atelier in Le Marais, details can be found on her website: Martine Ménard

Autumn Colours

It is that time of year!

When green turn into all sorts of flaming colours.

Claude Cerf

A relaxed portrait of the Sculpture Claude Cerf just before the opening of his exhibition on the rue de Servres, 75006 Paris.

Yes we managed to pack a lot into our short stay in Paris. Having lived in Paris for over 10 years it was nice to be back, after nearly three years of being away, and enjoy the vibrancy of the city.

Paris Autumn

While we were in Paris we visited our good friend Andrew who lives to the east - as pointed out (thank you Deslilas) it is to the west - side of Paris in the lovely town of Les Vésinet which is very close to Saint Germain en Laye.

A late afternoon walk around the lake was illuminated by the sun slowly setting giving those golden colours that belie the chilled air. We were a little surprised that winter frost arrived so quickly with temperatures well below 0°C.

Paris gone Wonky!

If you stop by from time to time you will notice that this is no longer a daily blog but I try and post a photograph when I can.

This was taken last week when we were in Paris. It was just before the transport strike began and I was wandering down the avenue George V when I saw all the rental bikes that were soon to become hard to get. The next day when the metro and RER rail systems were virtually non existent, these bikes were put to good use.

And the wonky building? Nothing to do with me although someone came up with the bright idea using Photoshop to create hoardings for work going on behind this original facade.

Flying Charlie

Charlie our rescued pet pigeon took his first outside flight just over a week ago. It was a bit difficult getting a good photograph but I liked this one.

He goes out most days now and we are wondering if he will one day fly off and that will be that - gone! On to live the life of a pigeon.

The Long and Straight Road

One of tree lined roads heading out of the town of Uzés in the south of France. One of the lovely features of driving on these types of roads, and there are many lined with Plain Trees, is the shade they give against a hot summer sun. In the days before air conditioning in cars they were the only protection.

There are people that want to cut down these beautiful tree lined byways because they cause too many road deaths. A normal human reaction of course, if something might have the potential to kill you, get rid of it or kill it before it gets you!!! It doesn't occur to these people to have drivers stick to the speed limit.

Canoeing

The river that Le Pont du Gard traverses is not the river Gard, but the Gardon.

It's a great area for lots of leisure activities including canoeing and this photograph was taken as the canoeists were directly below 'Le Pont'

More on the River Gardon

Roman Aqueduct

Nearly finished with photographs taken around Le Pont du Gard and the town of Uzés in the south of France - there are a few more though!

The ancient Roman Aqueduct of Le Pont du Gard is worthy of another posting. It took me a long time to go and see this magnificent piece of engineering, after nearly 15 years of living in France, and it was more than worth it. It took three climbs up the hill at the side to get the right light and that was also worth it.

Sitting watching the sun slowly set and the light changing on the stones that have stood the test of time for nearly 2000 years is another memory that will last.

La Pont du Gard was made a World Heritage site in 1985 more info here.

Bath Time

Charlie, our baby pigeon, had his first bath in the sink! I had put down a little bowl of water and after seeing him trying to get in the bowl I filled the bottom of the sink with a little water he jumped in, (just like a duck to water!!!) and had a lovely time splashing about, and afterwards lots of flapping of wings to get dried off. Of course Charlie is not sure if he is a duck, pigeon or human.

Some time soon we are hoping he will take his inaugural outside flight, another update will be posted when this happens.

Artisan Savonnerier

Nature et Senteurs is the shop Uzés where my wife bought lots of lovely smelling products. This is one of the two ladies who hand make all the products that are for sale.

M & B Créations, Artisan Savonnier produces 'cosmétiques à base d'huiles naturelles et biologiques' and durinng the summer season you can make reservations to assist in the making of these products.

If you want to find out more about this beautiful town check out Wikipedia

Nature et Senteurs c’est le magasin d’Uzés où mon épouse a acheté un bon nombre de beaux produits de toilette. La photo est l'une des deux personnes qui font tous les produits naturels qui sont en vente.
M et B Créations, artisan Savonnier de produits naturels d'huiles de base et de cosmétiques biologiques et durant la saison d'été vous pouvez faire des réservations pour aider à la fabrication de ces produits.

Si vous voulez en découvrir plus sur ce sujet de cette belle ville cliquez sur Wikipedia (en englais)

Savonnerie

The interior of the lovely smelling shop in Uzés. Lots and lots of soaps and other products, a blaze of colour and my wife buying all sorts of different stuff.