France 2008

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, 21-22 June

		We visited Silvacane Abbey, a Cistercian foundation now abandoned by monks. A very classical, plain building as usual with the Cistercians. †
		The cloister was peaceful, but rather more overgrown than usual. *
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		Beside the path from the car park to the abbey, the grass was covered with tiny snails - a most unusual sight. *
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		An old French road sign near where we stopped for lunch. †
		In the small town of Riez, there were these four Roman pillars standing by themselves in a hollow in a grassy field. †
		Moustiers is a hilltop town, perched way above our hotel down on the plain. *
		It was a long, hot climb up to the town, from where we could look back down to our hotel. †
		Once we reached the town, it was an attractive place to wander. *
		There was a stream running through the town centre ... *
		and steep cliffs behind. *
		There was a chapel high up behind the town, and a silver cross suspended above it. *
		It was a good area for hang-gliding. *
		This restaurant looked nice, but had poor service. *

We took a day trip to the Gorges du Verdon and took many photos, so the day has a separate page.