Portrait of a mietz

Portrait of a kitty found on the grounds of the castle in Angers. Photo taken in November 2002.

View from the tower

A view into the city of Angers from atop the old ramparts. The old moat has been transformed into a beautiful garden. And you get a bonus view of the cathedral! Photo taken in November 2002.

Chapel

Another look inside the walls of the castle in Angers. This is the chapel where royals and members of the court would have worshiped. It's as lovely on the inside as it looks here. Photo taken in November 2002.

Maison du Louvre

One of the beautiful old timbered buildings in Angers. This one is called the Maison du Louvre. Photo taken in June 2001.

Notre Dame

She looks good in black and white, don't you think? Photo taken in June 2004.

To see more monochrome shots from around the world, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Light and shadow

Light and shadows on a fern leaf inside the Volcanos National Park in Hilo, Hawaii. It's worth the visit, if you're ever on the island. Photo taken in January 2010.

Squared-in sky

A view to the sky from one of the courtyards inside Saint Malo's History Museum. Photo taken in April 2003.

To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Coiffes

A look at some of the different styles of headdress traditionally worn by the women in and around Saint Malo. Photo taken in April 2003.

Contemplative

Unfortunately, I can't remember who is pictured in this portrait. He is definitely a man of the sea, perhaps Chateaubriant or Duguay-Trouin. In any case, this man looks like he's got something on his mind. We can only guess at what his troubles might be. Photo taken in April 2003.

Model

A beautiful model of an old sailing ship. This was also taken in the City Museum of Saint Malo in April 2003.

Old boat

An old boat inside the Museum of the City's History in Saint Malo, France. It's a beautiful port city where the old medieval walls and ramparts are still in very good shape. I used to go there a lot when I lived in Rennes. It's just a short drive and makes for some good summer fun! This photo was taken in April 2003.

Spring tulips

A cheerful sight from the Parc Thabor in Rennes. Photo taken in April 2003. 

To see more flowers from around the world, visit Today's Flowers.

Red orchids

I think these were my favorites. Such lovely colors! Photo taken in January 2004.

Another white orchid

Another beautiful specimen. Photo taken in January 2004.

White orchids

More orchids from the Crystal Bridge. It's a wonderful place to visit, if you're ever in OKC. Photo taken in January 2004.

More orchids

More yellow orchids from Oklahoma City. I find them rather cheerful! Photo taken in January 2004.

Yellow orchid

A beautiful yellow orchid. This one comes from the tropical gardens in the Crystal Bridge in downtown Oklahoma City. It's a lovely place to visit! Photo taken in January 2004.

Fougeres

Here is a last castle for you, although this one is not from the Loire Valley, it's from Brittany! Fougeres is an old medieval stronghold, not as beautiful as the Chateaux de la Loire, but it has it's own charm. Photo taken in November 2002.

Loire Valley castles: Cheverny

A last castle for you, Cheverny. This castle was used as the model for the castle in the Tintin books. You can see some memorabilia from the comic series inside the castle. Photo taken in August 2005.

Loire Valley castles: Clos Luce

Clos Luce is not exactly a chateau, but it has been in royal hands over the years, so I think that's good enough. It's a beautiful place to visit, especially the gardens which are filled with da Vinci inventions. Photo taken in August 2005.

Loire Valley castles: Chambord

Chambord is one of my all-time favorites. It's so majestic! This castle was added to many times over the years, so there are also many architectural styles on display. Plus you can't miss the double-helix staircase. Photo taken in November 2002.

Loire Valley castles: Azay le Rideau

This is another of my favorite castles of the Loire Valley. I think it's something about the water, although the level was pretty low on this visit. It would normally appear that this castle is floating in the middle of a lake. Photo taken in August 2005.

Loire Valley castles: Chaumont

The Chateau de Chaumont is another beautiful castle of Loire Valley. It also has a very interesting history and there are many ties to Chenonceaux which I showed you yesterday This photo was taken in August 2005.

Loire Valley castles: Chenonceaux

Chenonceaux is also known as the Chateau des Dames. It's an architectural jewel of the Renaissance and has a very rich history. Photo taken in November 2002.

Loire Valley castles: Angers

I have decided to feature castles from the Loire Valley all week. The first one comes to you from Angers. This is actually a view from inside the walls, the original structure dates back to Medieval times, but additions to the interior were made over the years. Photo taken in November 2002.

Saint Francois-Xavier

One of the main cathedrals in Rennes. Photo taken in March 2003.

Street scene

A typical street scene in Rennes. The weather was nice enough on this spring day for a bit of people-watching at an outdoor cafe. And you get some bonus timbered buildings! Photo taken in March 2003.

More Rennes

Another look at the older part of Rennes. I hope you're not getting tired of the city, it's one of my favorite places. This is a look at the Portes Mordelaises. I've shown you the other side before here. Photo taken in March 2003.

Jean Leperdit

The famous old mayor of Rennes. He is immortalized in the Place du Champs-Jaquet. Photo taken in March 2003.

Alley entrance

A doorway that will take you through a small alley to the entrances to apartments that are above these establishments. This is the famed rue de la soiff  or "street of thirst" in Rennes. In the old days it was lined with bars, but there days you'll also find a few restaurants and boutiques. Photo taken in March 2003.

Place de la Mairie by day

I have shown you the opera house of Rennes before by night. By day or by night, this square is one of my favorite places in Rennes. The inside of the opera house is also quite beautiful, but unfortunately I don't have any photos of it. This picture was taken in March 2003.