So, not only did you think I fell off the blogosphere, you may have also wondered what happened to the rest of those pictures I took in Southern France.
Or, perhaps not.
When I last posted pictures from France, I said I would share some pictures of the architecture we saw. Below you’ll find an assortment of pictures featuring the architecture in ancient ruins, more modern structures, and cathedrals.
Ruins
You’ll find ruins of chateaus in various locations throughout Southern France. Some are standing nearly intact and others are in various states of decomposition. Here are two pictures of one chateau that Eric hiked to in the lower Pyrenees.
Gargoyles
What would a trip to France be without a couple pictures of gargoyles?! These two fellas were on a cathedral in Carcassonne.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is in the Aude department of France. It is divided into the fortified Cite de Carcassonne and an expansive lower city. The Cite de Carcassonne is surrounded by a double wall. Carcassonne has a long and interesting history dating back to about 3500 BC. (Our historical structures are in their infancy compared to Europe and Asia.) You can read more about Carcassonne here and here.
Eric took numerous pictures when he toured the city. This is one of my favorites:
Cathedrals
I mentioned the Cathedral of St. Cecilia in my last post on France. This cathedral is interesting because it is the oldest brick cathedral in Europe. It is also interesting because some of the interior sculptural work is done in limestone which gives it a lacy appearance.
This is an exterior shot of the sculpture above the main entrance.
And a shot of the interior sculptural work. (Flash photography was not allowed but you get an idea of the intricacy of the work.)
Toulouse
The capital building in Toulouse reminded me of Versailles. Stunning and big on the outside and decorated with ornate frescos on the inside.
These last two pictures are from the Salle des Illustres on the top floor of the capital building. The Salle des Illustres is used for official receptions and wedding ceremonies.
Beats the heck out of an “office” in cubicle-land on any day.
Musings from the Moonroom 