france – Darden Travels

The City of Dinan – 2026

September 20, 2026 by ginnyinshanghai

The city was first mentioned in 1040. It is situated on the banks of the River Rance. In the 12th & 13th centuries, the Lords of Dinan governed a rich and dynamic town which led to Dinan’s prosperity in the late Middle Ages. The town developed on a hill overlooking the Rance River, a naturally defensive location that allowed control over trade routes and access to central Brittany. The town was besieged by the Normans in the 11th century, an event depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry (I put that historical tidbit in just for Eric).

Dinan retains a medieval core with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and significant monuments. The town became a market and small-industries center, while preserving its medieval architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. Dinan’s history reflects a blend of strategic military importance, religious influence, and commercial activity, with its well-preserved medieval architecture offering a window into over a millennium of Breton history.

Loved finding some of these details on the houses.

Now it’s time to walk down one of their famous streets – La rue du Jerzual. This street links the port to the upper part of the city and was until the late 18th century the main axis to cross the city in spite of its steep slope.

The route was steeper than the photos indicate – especially when the cobblestones were wet. After I took the photo of Eric, I noticed the figures up above on the house.

How cute! Most people don’t even see them.

We made it to the bottom with no broken bones and discovered the port.

We needed some nourishment after that feat and found just the place.

We continiue to share giving us a chance to order and taste a multitude of items.

Clockwise starting upper left: Eggs Mayonnaise, mussels, frites and Bulots & oysters.

Now it was time to walk back up.

There may have been a few stops along the way………….with the (stone) benches provided.

Halfway up we came to the Jerzual Gate. The current gatehouse was built in the first part of the 14th century. It is a single tower 15 m high, defending access to the town from the port and at one point was reinforced with a drawbridge.

We were up on another section of the ramparts, seeing a rooftop view of the city.

Not satisfied with walking the steep streetrs of Dinan, two of us walked up the stairs to their clock tower with a height of 43 meters.

It was a process: circle stone steps, wooden landings & steps and then the final part – a steep ladder. Yikes! Let’s just say it was not fun coming down the ladder.

Nearby was the Basilica Saint Sauveur.

Legend has is that the lord of Dinan founded the priory in 1112 upon his return from the Holy Land. As the story goes, the knight was taken prisoner during the First Crusade and vowed to build a church in honor of St. Sauveur and the Holy Trinity if he ever returned home. No surviving documentation confirmed this tale, but it makes for a charming story.

It may be hard to see in the photo above, but this church only had chapels on one side. which can be seen below in the floor plan.

I’ve been trying to get this post ready for days. I’m done now. Still more to come.

Ginny

Dinan via Cancale – 2026

September 18, 2026 by ginnyinshanghai

Eric’s specific birthday request was to be eating oysters at Cancale on his birthday. We did just that. Happy Birthday dear! Our first view of Cancale…………

This is an area along the coastline with fairly big tidal surges. When we arrived, the tide was going out. The first time I saw something like this I thought ‘Oh no, those boats are stranded’. Nope. The captain planned it that way and will sail out when the tides comes back in.

While there are a number of restaurants along the coastline, we headed to the outside oyster stalls.

Decide which stall you’re going purchase from, get your plate with prepped oysters then find a place to sit. No, we didn’t eat all of the oysters seen below but at least 3 dozen were eaten before we had lunch.

Yes, I had several. I kept looking for the smallest ones which also seemed to be saltier, which I liked!

There were a number of birds enjoying the leftover oysters shells, picking out pieces to eat.

Speaking of lunch…………..Eric also wanted a ‘seafood tower’ for his birthday. He got it – and shared with Adrienne.

I ordered the mussels & frites in a cream sauce. Everything was shared amongst the group.

This was where I was introduced to their local cola. Loved it! Ordered it every chance I had.

On to Dinan! I took over driving duties as the other two enjoyed numerous glasses of wine. Eric found us a fabulous place to stay in Dinan. We’re on the top floor of this building, and yes, there was an elevator.

This is one of the nicest AirBNBs we have stayed in. Kitchen and living spaces were on the main (3rd) floor. Bedrooms and the second bathroom were above.

After walking a bit, we needed some supper before turning in our first night in Dinan. We followed the suggestion of our host and tried to get into his top choice – but alas, we had to go to Plan B. Yes, that was our next option – especially once we came across this establishment.

This place was about meat. Both Adrienne and Eric selected the special for the day.

A major portion of their menu was burgers. Yep, that’s what I got a bacon cheeseburger, France style. We were all happy with our selections.

Had to finish our meal with some ice cream.

Walking back we went past a number of half-timbered buildings, much like Rennes.

That’s all for this post.

Ginny

The City of Rennes – 2026

September 16, 2026 by ginnyinshanghai

Rennes is a medieval old town in Northwestern France, dating back 2000+ years when it was a small Gallican village. It has a long history due to the location at the confluence of two rivers (Ille & Vilaine). During the Roman era, the strategic position of the town contributed to its importance.

In 1534 this area became more fully connected with France and became the Province of Brittany. During WWII Rennes initially suffered heavy (German) damage and then again in 1943 & 1944 by the U.S. and Royal Air Force. In the 1980s Rennes became one of the main centers of Telecommunications and the high-tech industry.

We stayed in the old town center and everything was within easy walking distance.

Typically, we pick up yogurt and fruit for a light breakfast in our place. Everyone gets up on their own time, selects a beverage of choice and wait for the others to be ready to start the day. After all, we are on vacation. 🙂 Those two needed a bit more food one morning. Nearby there was a small market open several hours on a Sunday – when many things were closed.

They had fresh produce………..

……..along with seafood.

Eric found some oysters and wine for the two of them. I wasn’t feeling it and kept exploring.

The first church we came across this morning was Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes. This was one of the (very) few times we didn’t enter a church. The current site has been used since the 3rd century and was likely built in place of an older sanctuary. That building was completely replaced by a Gothic church in the 12th century. In 1490 the tower and western facade of the Gothic church collapsed. Reconstruction took 163 years and led to a classical style. The nave and choir had not been restored and in 1754 in the middle of religious services, a large stone came off the vault of the choir. Construction started and stopped until the now neoclassical cathedral with a classical facade was completed in 1846.

A short distance away was Porte Mordelaise.

It’s location dates to the 3rd century with the architecture dating mainly from the 15th century. The future dukes had to take an oath in front of this entrance and it is sometimes called the royal door.

Over the years, the Mordelaises gate lost some of their statue due to its landlocked position in the historic center of the city. Thus, they have become less well known to tourists, even though it is the only fortified door that remains in the city.

The weather has been beautiful and we headed towards the Thabor Gardens, which is fronted by a church: Paroisse Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle.

The building is considered unfinished due to a 1905 law that separates church and the state, which stopped public funding. It replaced an old church of the same name located in the same square. It remains a Catholic place of worship.

Just so you know that is Adrienne in the bottom right of my photo below.

We had the place to ourselves.

The gardens were behind the church and had a lovely tree canopy.

I could write all the info below………..or just take a screen shot. 🙂

Naturally there were some statues.

But oh my – the flowers. Believe it or not, I curated at least half of the photos I took.

I came across this ‘traditional’ topiary during my wandering. This is for you Eric.

Before leaving the city to continue Eric’s birthday trip, we ate at Breizh Cafe. Eric had read about it before leaving home and made a reservation. The cafe embodies the connection between Brittany and Japan. After training in Dinan, the owner/husband followed his wife to Japan and in 1996 opened his first cafe in Tokyo blending Breton expertise, buckwheat and cider.

The Breizh Cafe Farm is dedicated to buckwheat and cider apples and an international training school for their Crepe Workshop. Their creed is to be respectful of Breton heritage and committed to sustainability forming an ecosystem where tradition, excellence and knowledge-sharing promote Brittany. An upcoming weekend they were having an event at their farm. Would have loved to attend, but we would be traveling out of the area when it occured.

Adrienne stayed with her red wine, while I enjoyed a local beer and Eric drank their cider.

We started with oysters (you’re going to continue hearing about them!).

However, the main reason this restaurant was selected was due to Galettes – a specialty of this region. Buckwheat flour makes the galette savory.

Eric and I split the traditional galette while Adrienne ordered their daily special with mushrooms. You can see the chef prepare the galettes.

They came out hot and yummy.

Naturally we had to try their dessert crepes. They are made with wheat flour, eggs and whole milk, plus your chosen filling.

Naturally we had to try three different types.

It was a great way to end our last evening in Rennes. Back to the train station to pick up our rental car. Next stop is Dinan, via Cancale.

Ginny

Rennes Food Tour – France 2026

September 15, 2026 by ginnyinshanghai

The food tour started at 11:30am but we needed a light breakfast. Rennes has one of the largest markets in France, after Paris. That was our destination – Marche de Lices. Once we headed in that direction, it was easy to find, even if we didn’t use any map. Just follow the locals pulling their shopping carts (there were three ahead of us).

There were both inside and outside stalls. We went inside first to see their products and make a few purchases for later.

I probably enjoyed the outside stalls more since it was fresh produce.

These fruits looked great!

Peaches!

Next I found the veggies.

I’m ready for Fall.

Eric’s highlight was the seafood stalls. Yes, we started our day with a few oysters.

We only purchased oysters, but much, much more was available.

We missed the market area with the flowers. We passed individuals with pre-made bundles but alas, it was not to be. Walked past these sunflowers secured to a bike and couldn’t resist a quick photo.

It was time to head for our food tour’s meeting point: Basilica Saint Sauveur de Rennes. It is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church, located in the heart of the historic city center. The foundation was built in the 11th century before expanding several times and rebuilt in the 18th century.

There are four stories of miracles attributed to this basilica with the first in the 1350s. I had just enough time to walk in and grab a few photos.

We try to find a local food tour early in our trips. It helps us get the lay of the land, meet people and also get recommendations. This one in Rennes was fairly new, only available the last several months. Mateo was our guide.

Our first stop………….Madame Claude. Eric and Adrienne are in the photo below along with the other two that joined our tour. They have been touring Europe for the last 6 weeks (2 retired schoolteachers from Ireland). They are pulling a camper and rode their bikes into the heart of the city for the tour.

Galettes are a specialty of the region. Much like a crepe, but savory. Buckwheat flour gives it a nutty flavor and the dark color. Mateo felt this was one of the best in the city. All products going into it was grown within 10 km – very local ingredients – I like that! The meat was local pork, local cheese and the buckwheat was grown in the area also.

Yes, yes I needed some coffee first thing this morning. 🙂 After a short walk, we were at the second stop: bouchon.

I only like pate in Europe – must be the ingredients. The pate had pork, poultry and pieces of local apples. The pickled onions and cornichons were also tasty. Red onions were a local crop this area was known for. We had plenty to share between the 5 of us.

I will give the guide some points for our next stop. He wanted to showcase the mixture of cultures and the resulting food scene.

Not my favorite stop by a long shot, but I did try it and picked out the ingredients that I liked. Underneath was a bed of rice that had soaked in the flavors. The spices were Indienne which I don’t traditionally enjoy. Again, I tried it.

This wasn’t only about eating but also hearing a bit about the city. Eric was asking lots of questions from our guide, Mateo.

These statues were numerous and prevalent around the old town on the older buildings, warding off the ‘black plague’ from the Middle Ages.

Mateo also shared this was part of ongoing construction to open up the waterway. In the past, the city had covered over this space and created parking. It was slowly being removed for the waterways to be seen and other parking created. Nice.

Okay, let’s get back to the food. The next stop was a sandwich place. He was talking about their local beef and the ‘smash burger’ we were about to have………………then a vegetarian burger appeared. Oops, he forgot. The burger available for the tour was seasonal. It had local cheese, lettuce and red onions, along with the local eggplant. It was still good.

It was time for sweet endings.

This was the place we had kouign-amann – a Breton specialty where it originated around 1860.

The photo above doesn’t do it justice. This was absolutely delicious! I had tasted it in other European shops, but this was hands-down the best. My research indicates the recipe should be 40% bread dough, 30% butter and 30% sugar. The shop sold other sweet treats and gave us some samples of their cakes.

But wait! We had one final stop. We were given the choice of pastry puff or ice cream.

I was stuffed and able to get a sack to bring mine home. Thank goodness! We were given the option of selecting two flavors and all were mighty tasty. This was the spot it came out that we were in France celebrating Eric’s birthday. Mateo found a tealight and the group sang Happy Birthday.

As we were walking back to the original meeting point, Mateo talked about the half-timbered buildings that were part of the city’s history.

This block had a slight modification that had been added for stabilization. The white (skinny) building to the left of the four houses was a facade built to support and hold up the others. It was not truly a house or apartment but built to look like one. Ingenious.

One last photo of the group before we went out different ways.

It was a great (and tasty) introduction to the city of Rennes with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Ginny

Another birthday trip – France 2026

September 14, 2026 by ginnyinshanghai

Another one of my travel partners was hitting a milestone birth year and wanted to go somewhere special. Since we’re foodies………….France was the chosen destination, specifically the northern coastline of France where OYSTERS are farmed. Yes, Eric wanted to celebrate by eating lots and lots of these bivalves.

The journey began mid-week and was definitely ‘trains, planes & automobiles’ but not in that order. Had to get to the airport so the trip started with ride-share.

Whereas we met Adrienne before boarding the first of two flights before going overseas and landing in CDG, Paris mid-afternoon. We were worried about storms in Orlando. In fact, as we were boarding the crew mentioned a storm was building near the airport and highly encouraged us to quickly board so we could get out of there fast – we did.

Our connection was in JFK/New York. Our luck with connections in the south has been hit or miss. A few afternoon/evening storms have delayed us and kept us in US missing a day in Europe. Not everyone loves JFK but my last connection through there was painless. Only hitch……………we landed in terminal 1 (at the v.e.r.y end) and had to get to terminal 5. We had plenty of time for the connection, but it was a hike! Soon enough we got our next flight and a few hours of sleep.

One advantage to flying through New York – this flight is a bit shorter.

After landing, we needed food. We have a history of eating at the Sheraton inside the airport and that day was no different. Even though it looks like we are eating outside………..it is their brasserie restaurant that protrudes into the airport skyway.

I just needed a coke but those two started with a regional red wine.

We each were looking for something different for nutrition: Adrianne – sushi, myself – fries and Eric – charcuterie board.

We have checked off two modes of transportation and now we waited for the third one – train.

Let’s just say, I woke up. Those two crashed during our 2+ hour ride to Rennes.

The train departed early evening and we had a bit of light initially and I got this photo as we passed a wind farm.

No issues on our ride, but we heard the next morning there was a train derailment in Northern France the same evening.

Our last transportation was an automobile – taxi to our AirBNB in the Old Town of Rennes. Arrival was 9:30pm and our AirBNB host met us at 10 pm to show us around and handover the keys.

We were bushed, but hungry. He made a call and got us dinner reservations within walking distance. Great!!!! Eric started us with oysters before our main courses arrived.

Our dinner selections were varied:

Adrienne – tuna

I chose canard (duck):

With Eric selecting sole meuniere’:

All was topped off with ice cream – shared.

After 23+ hours traveling……………it’s time to call it a night.

Up next – a local Rennes food tour.

Ginny

Cologne 2025 – post 3

December 31, 2025 by ginnyinshanghai

This was our last full day in the city. The Cathedral Christmas market is (surprise) right next to the Cathedral. We didn’t find it initially. It was one of our favorites both for the food and purchases.

One morning we needed breakfast and the hotel’s options didn’t do it for me. We went looking for a German sausage. We found the best one ever! At least in our opinion. We went back the last morning in Cologne for another sausage.

And yes, we both ended up with a Kolsch beer, for breakfast. Hey! It was the best choice for our chosen breakfast.

Next was a hunt for the Maritime Christmas market, down near the Rhine River. Easy to find once we realized the Ferris wheel was part of the market.

Naturally, there needed to be a pirate ship serving drinks at this market since you were on the water.

It may have been our least favorite however we had some hot drinks and talked with a really interesting German couple that leads wine tours. We have their business card and hope to get in touch with them at a later time.

The last market to find was the Angel Christmas market, characterized by lots of white lights. It was a hike, but we were determined.

We got a little dessert while waiting for the sun to set.

Then these odd puppets wound their way through the market.

The sun finally went down and we were able to get a few good photos.

We went back to the cathedral for a night-time photo and another visit to the Cathedral Christmas market.

The Christmas market was buzzing with people this being a Friday night and a lot of weekenders were in town. Yikes!

Eric was looking for wine and I found a ‘vegetarian’ tarte flambe’ – totally enjoyed every last bite.

The crowds were getting too much for me. Eric was loving it and I was done. After getting back to the room I grabbed this photo of the smaller market outside our window – O.M.G. Look at the people – no thank you.

We’re back to Amsterdam for a few days before flying out. Let’s see what Eric has planned.

Ginny

Strasbourg Xmas 2025-part 2

December 16, 2025 by ginnyinshanghai

We’re here for the Christmas markets, but also for the food. I had a request when we got to Strasbourg………………a repeat visit for a tapas restaurant we visited earlier. Eric made the reservation.

One advantage to a larger group, more items can be ordered and shared. We had plenty, but only needed four for the two of us. First two: foie gras and quiche with goat cheese.

Local sausages and pickled vegetables.

Pork roll in a delicious broth.

Naturally we ordered dessert – which was also a repeat and just as good as my memory: toasted kougelhopf cake, marinated pears with a local fruit puree and a scoop of ice cream. Yum, yum delicious. Not a drop was left on the plate. 🙂

It was a good meal at a repeat location – thanks hon.

Let’s get back to the Christmas decorations. Later in the evening, this wall also had some projections they added.

Now this was a large advent calendar, counting down the days until Christmas. All the numbers were represented, even if you can’t see them in my photo.

Decorations didn’t have to be over the top, sometimes simple and classic is best. Here’s Eric waiting patiently (not!) for my photo.

This was one of my favorite photos. In May, we had dinner at the restaurant in the background.

Several displays had giant bears in their windows.

This was seen on a side of a church, subtle but nice.

Those glasses I mentioned in the previous post?

Before coming, I read that collecting the Christmas market mugs was a ‘thing’. In Strasbourg, it was all about these (plastic) glasses. After getting your chosen hot beverage, a euro was charged for the cup. You bring back the glass, you get back a euro. Let’s just say that we are coming home with a collection. I convinced Eric these plastic glasses were much better (and lighter) than mugs for packing. We were on a hunt to not repeat a glass – we succeeded.

During our wandering, we came across some oysters – Eric needed some. And, maybe just maybe, I had a few of them – very salty.

Another ‘snack’ was a raclette sandwich – O.M.G. Their line was so long, Eric stood in line to pay for the sandwich, while I waited in the other line for pick up. Here was one of the many ‘burners’ melting the cheese before it was scraped onto a bun. You could add a protein and we got the ham.

Oh, and some gherkin pickles was the finishing touch. There was plenty for us to share with the one sandwich. We only needed one.

I needed one more photo of the cathedral while the sun was setting. I didn’t enhance this photo but the beauty of the church was stunning.

These last few photos were show some whimsical shots of Christmas I saw while walking around.

Merry Christmas a bit early.

Ginny & Eric

Strasbourg Xmas 2025

December 14, 2025 by ginnyinshanghai

Although we visited Strasbourg this past May, we heard great things about their Christmas Markets and quickly put it on the list for the trip. Getting to Strasbourg from Amsterdam required changing trains in Paris. Love the train system, when it works (and runs on time).

We arrived at dusk and the taxi driver could only take us so far, then walking with the luggage was the reality. Hotel Suisse was the eventual destination. Not a bad walk, even dragging our suitcases and backpacks.

Why could the taxi driver not drop us off at the door? We are steps away from the cathedral where only pedestrian traffic was allowed. This was our view from our 3rd floor window. The cathedral is literally right around the corner.

Our hotel? It was a small boutique accommodation that had some quirkiness as they modified the building throughout the years. Yes, it had an elevator which was a godsend being on the third floor.

Before any exploring was happening, food was on the agenda, and we went with local specialties at a nearby brewery.

Fairly quickly we got in the holiday spirit with all of their colorful decorations hanging between buildings or above storefronts.

You just can’t imagine how many there are. Everywhere you looked there was another display.

Also found several of the actual Christmas markets while we explored. Notice the cup Eric is holding in the bottom right photo? More on that in the next post.

One walkway was decorated with chandeliers with screened boxes for protection. Didn’t expect to see that, ha! An entire alleyway was lined with different chandeliers.

Several locations kept with a theme from the shop below.

One thing we noticed was a police presence at all of the markets. Eric reminded me Europe had some issues a number of years back. They walked in pairs but this individual was stationed near one of their largest trees.

We stayed in Strasbourg 2 nights and 1 day so only doing one more Strasbourg post. Even during daytime the decorations were pretty. That’s in my next post.

Ginny

France 2025 – post 5

June 10, 2025 by ginnyinshanghai

Final photos and experiences in Strasbourg before heading to Paris.

One morning Rich and I got up before the others to walk the streets early morning. There was something going on……………..

We discovered there were multiple races occuring simultaneously, various lenghts and ages. We made the way to the finish line and this gentleman picked up his daughter about 20 feet before the finish line – very cute.

Walking the historic center, I curated a number of photos. A number of bridges exist for walking or driving. It seemed like all those we crossed had ironwork, nice.

I really don’t like the locks, but I see them everywhere – even in Iceland. Really? Really!

A few city or neighborhood parks were sprinkled throughout the downtown area.

Another use for a tub. This one had a few vegetable plants along with herbs sprinkled amongst the flowers.

One afternoon several of us walked to the University’s botanical garden.

Some of the flowers were similar to those seen at home.

And one I didn’t know……………

I r.e.a.l.l.y liked this insect house we came across in the garden. Hon? Can I have one of these? Can you build me one?

All too soon, our time was up in this city.

We grabbed a ride to the train station before looking to eat somewhere. This place was 1 block away – serving really good food, Restaurant D Steakhouse. I’m sure there are bad restaurants serving bad food somewhere (chains maybe?) but no complaints for the meals thus far.

A meat & cheese plate and duck foie gras were the starters we shared.

A nice goat cheese salad was all that I needed.

Veal cordon bleu (left) along with veal scallops (right).

What is a meal without desserts?

We enjoyed our time in this lovely city. Eric and I visited with friends in 2005 and I remember very little of that time. This visit was an excellent experience. Who knows, maybe we will be back. One last group photo in front of the cathedral.

Let’s get on the train and head to Paris!

Ginny

France 2025 – post 3

May 20, 2025 by ginnyinshanghai

Strasbourg Cathedral commands attention. Let’s start with a bit of history…….

A Roman settlement existed on this site since about 12 BC. It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. The first cathedral was built on the present site about 550–575. The current structure was built between 1180 and 1439.

The original design had two spires, but the second was never built.

It is a blend of different styles of mediaeval architecture. Building started with the late Romanesque choir and transept, superseded by French and German Gothic from the 13th century onwards. The western front, with its bold design and stone lacework, is an outstanding example of the skills of the Cathedral masons.

The tower showcases the excellence of mediaeval engineering and remained the highest building in Europe until the 19th century standing at 466′. Today it is the 6th tallest church in the world and the tallest structure built entirely in the Middle Ages.

Wooden roof beams were prone to fire and were part of the construction. The church was repaired after each fire but at times work was interrupted by wars and political causes.

As with most cathedrals, stories were told a variety of ways. The stained glass windows were a key part of the storytelling. The various colors of glass used added to the grandeur seen inside the building. During WWII the stained glass from this cathedral was removed in 74 cases and stored in a German salt mine.

After the war the cases of stained glass were returned by the U.S. military. BTW – the cathedral was hit by British and American bombs in 1944 with repairs completed in the early 1990s.

The five lower bays on the north side contain some of the oldest stained glass of the cathedral, installed in the old Romanesque cathedral in about 1180. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Each holds a scepter in his right hand and an orb in the left hand, symbols of their responsibility as both sovereigns and religious figures. In the 13th century some rebuilding occurred and the windows were reinstalled in random locations. In 1877 an architect placed the windows back in their original arrangement.

I couldn’t resist this shot. This ‘individual’ was looking down on those inside the church – watching them.

I noticed a few tourists looking at the railing to a pulpit. There was a famed preacher with the cathedral who died 1510. A sculpture of his dog was placed on the steps of the pulpit where he once preached, mourning the loss of his master.

One note l discovered while researching talked about the sculptures for this cathedral. The Strasbourg sculptures clearly show emotions – prophets look severe, the Virgins serene and the Virtues look noble.

There was grating on the floor and I saw someone dropping something. Upon closer inspection, individuals were dropping coins or bills through the grate. My photo only shows a small portion – probably a 10th of the full size.

Existence of the organ was recorded beginning in 1260. It was hoisted to its current position in 1327. While very difficult to see in my photo, the bottom of the organ contains a figure of Samson opening the jaws of a lion. The figure has moving parts. I could find nothing else about ‘how’ or ‘when’ said parts moved. A mystery to me.

The current astronomical clock is one of the most famous features of the cathedral and the third one. The first clock was installed 1352. When it stopped working the entire structure was dismantled in 1572. A second clock was completed in 1574 and was remarkable both for its complexity as an astronomical device and for the range and richness of its decorations and accessories. This second clock stopped working around 1788 and stood still until 1838.

The current clock is approximately 59′ tall and shows much more than the official time; it also indicates solar time, the day of the week (each represented by a god of mythology), the month, the year, the sign of the zodiac, the phase of the moon and the position of several planets. A crowd was gathered and seemed to be waiting for ‘something’ to happen. It did. At the very top of my video, you can see the moving parts.

330 – what does that mean? That’s the number of steps until you reach the observation desk. Naturally, we (some) go that distance. Here we go.