Was a little glad to leave Lyon this morning (especially the AirBnB). Went to visit Clermont-Ferrand which is surrounded by snow covered extinct volcanoes. It is a pretty industrial city and home to the Michelin tyre company, so you see the little fat Michelin man everywhere. Supposedly it is one of the oldest cities in France but what made it interesting was the use of the black lava stone in the cathedral (like Catania in Sicily!). It gives the town a menacing feel! The town will be hosting the opening stage of this years Tour De France. Was well worth a quick visit. From there onto Bourges, which is back in the southern part of the Loire Valley. There is a petrol stop near here that claims to be the dead centre of France. (kind of like Tottenham being the centre of NSW). Spent the afternoon walking around this beautiful town (it was once the Capital of France). Visited the home (Palace) of Jacques Coeur (1395-1456) one of the most famous men in French history – he paid for the armies that supported Joan of Arc’s campaign and was the first non-royal to use the Fleur de Lys emblem in his home – which got him arrested as it was in those days illegal. His motif of hearts and oysters can be seen all over his perfectly preserved palace in Bourges. (Finally a piece of history presented the way it should be!). The Saint Etienne Cathedral lies on the edge of the old part of town is one of the most amazing gothic cathedrals in France. This town has over 500 timber framed houses, hence the extra pics below. Tomorrow more exploring to do in this ideal part of France. Could this be the place to stay??
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