France May 2009
Orleans France - Orléans is a city in north-central France, about 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Paris. It is the capital of the Loiret department.
Orleans is located on the Loire River. The Loire valley is a known wine producing region of France, and has many Chateaus.
The city of New Orleans in the United States is named after the Orleans.
Pictured here is Cathedral St. Croix, in Orleans.
Orleans France - This is the house Joan of Arc was born/grew up in.Joan of Arc is a national heroine of France and a Catholic saint. A peasant girl born in eastern France, she led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War, claiming divine guidance...
Too bad powerlines obstructed the view....
La Rochelle is a city in southwestern France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department.
The Knights Templar had a strong presence in La Rochelle since before the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who exempted them from duties and gave them mills in her 1139 Charter. La Rochelle was for the Templars their largest base on the Atlantic Ocean, and where they stationned their main fleet. From La Rochelle, they were able to act as intermediaries in trade between England and the Mediterranean.
La Rochelle - One of the many back streets lined with shops and cafes where one can wander.
La Rochelle - The centuries old buildings stretch for as far as the eyes can see.
La Rochelle - Basilica.
La Rochelle - Fortification walls for the city.
La Rochelle - Entrance to the bay in the fortification walls.
La Rochelle - fortification walls.
La Rochelle - Remains of a cathedral brought down by fire in one of the cities religious conflicts.
