Europe 2014

Dijon, 22-24 June

		Between Lyon and Dijon, we detoured to visit Cluny. This was the war memorial in the main square of the village, looking remarkably similar to Oscar Wilde's tombstone in the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. †
		The Abbey at Cluny was the centre of the Cluniac Monasteries for centuries, but much was destroyed during the French Revolution. Most of what is left was built in the 18th century. *
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		One chapel remaining from medieval times. *
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		Back to Dijon, to again be greeted by the delightful Coco and taken to her apartment "My Place in Dijon". Then out to look at major sights, starting with the Palais des Ducs. †
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		The next morning, we went to the Musée des Beaux Arts in the Palais des Ducs, which had been closed the previous time we were in Dijon. Another treasure house, with this extraordinary altar piece. *
		St Michael. *
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		Old wood carved statues. †
		A touching pieta. †
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		One of the highlights is the room containing the tombs of the Dukes and Duchesses of Burgundy. †
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		Mourners around the base of a tomb. *
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		Detail of an altarpiece. *
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		We revisited the church of Notre-Dame, the outside of which has rather more gargoyles than are really necessary. *
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		With decorations that include an apparent murder scene. *
		Inside was peaceful, with a rose window ... *
		a very ancient statue of the Virgin ... *
		and a carving of the Devil between the doors, perhaps as a reminder. *
		Then into the town centre for a bit of a look at the shops. *
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		The next morning was market day, so we went to the covered market, designed by Gustav Eiffel. *
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		Horse meat on sale. *
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		We dined that evening at Le Pré aux Clercs, in an attractive setting on the main square. *
		View from our table. *
		Unfortunately, although the restaurant has a Michelin star, we did not think that the food was outstanding. *

Then it was off through the countryside to Épernay.