Author Archives: sbpeterman

At the Château de Fayet, we saw the most ornate coat of arms.  So wide as to bridge the top of a well, the classic shield is in the center.  Included also is the date the château was built (1664), … Continue reading →

The Viaduct of Millau.  It is simply amazing in size and design.  Just a little more than 1.5 miles long, the highest point is 1125 feet from the ground.  A figure so elegant, it is like sails in the wind … Continue reading →

Today was a day of touring the Larzac, entering the time of the Knights of the Templars and the Order of the Hospitallers, too.  Christian pilgrims were Jerusalem-bound, once the First Crusade had it under control.  The Hospitallers were founded … Continue reading →

A beautiful afternoon, an excellent time for a bicycle tour!  I was a little anxious going off by myself.  My sense of direction is not all that great.  I asked for a map which, the way drawn in red, was … Continue reading →

On arising each morning, here and at home, I read a bit of Teresa of Avila fiercely urging surrender of all.  Just a bit later, after dressing or brushing my teeth, I pause with O’Donohue’s “A Blessing of Beauty” and … Continue reading →

Today we had a tour of le Mas de Salel.  The grandfather of Françoise bought it in 1885.  Originally, in the 10th century if my French is correct, it was the farm and farmhouse for the Abbaye Sylvanes.  The monks … Continue reading →

It is still.  Today there is barely a breeze, although last night’s cloud cover remains.  No planned activities today.  I pull out my book on French grammar; someone searches for a pencil with a crossword puzzle to complete.  Bells from … Continue reading →

Today the wind was an incredible force.  I awoke to the shutter creaking an irregular song.  The clouds were low and dark, wrapping us in mist from the Mediterranean Sea.  There are names for these winds, Autan and Marin.  That … Continue reading →

Today unfolded at a luxurious pace.  Time to do laundry and catch up on e-mail.  All the windows were open, the doorway, too.  The kittens thought about visiting but preferred the woodpile.  You can see them playing on the right.  … Continue reading →

Today was the day!  The caves of Roquefort!   The origin of the cheese with that marvelous bite.  Seven producers, all in the village of Roquefort, are set above caves that penetrate into the rock.  Our tour was with Société.  Sorry, … Continue reading →