One of the most astonishing adventures we have had on the Romanesque Church Hunt has been an unforgettable tour of the Cathedral of Cruas in 2007. Befriended by a erudite retired professer and a tourism office employee, we receive a magnificent tour of the edifice when we thought we had arrived too late to even go inside (we had–but these generous people allowed us a full tour after the official closing time). I will go into this memorable adventure in my next post, but for now, here are... Read Full Story

Southwest of our location in Ardeche is Les Vans, a village at the center of a region with some quite interesting churches. Here is where the land becomes mountain and valley. The gem of this region of interesting churches is Thines, whose magnificent Romanesque church is considered to combine perfectly the elements of Romanesque architecture, sculpture and decoration. Summaries are courtesy of the Vans tourism office. www.les-vans.com NAVES Nestling in the village which has retained... Read Full Story

Time has been very hectic lately, so I decided to share a beautiful church from a few years back in Southwest France. These magnificent capitals are from Elne, a church very rich in sculpture and a delight to visit. Elne is close to Collioure, Banyuls and near the “Cote Vermeille”, the tiny bit of blessed Mediterranean coastline near the border of Spain. The light is spectacular and the Pyrenees loom as a backdrop. One of our favorite places for sure–whenever we rent in the southwest we... Read Full Story

I’ve been trying to find some photos on the web of churches in Ardeche within driving distance and it’s quite difficult.  Many of the communes only have rudimentary sites listing services and not much on their fabulous Romanesque landmarks. St Martin’s is a Romanesque era church and Benedictine priory that was rebuilt in the 19th century.  Located on the National 86 north of TOURNON, it is located on a promontory that can be seened for miles. The layout from the Romanesque era has been... Read Full Story

Traditional elegance in London Click on photo for more information & booking. Dating from the Edwardian era, the elegant Duke’s Hotel evokes an era of ladies and gentleman assembling for candlelit dining and an air of gentility very rare in this modern era.  Although luxe in every way, it is an underplayed and subtle emphasis on comfort, not glitz, an emphasis that has brought guests who return through the years. Renovated in 2007, Duke’s Hotel guest can now have modern technological... Read Full Story

One of our group reports that a colleague will be spending time in France this summer looking for ‘Black Madonnas’. My curiosity was piqued, since we had seen several of these Black Madonnas on our travels. I wondered the most basic of questions: What are the Black Madonnas? Why are they black? And are there any in Ardeche near where we will be staying? The one at left is from Limoux and southwest France. My initial research seems to indicate that the Black Madonna phenomenon as mostly... Read Full Story

Exquisite canal side gem in Belgium’s historic heart Click on photo for more information & booking. In a historic building dating back to 1400, the charming Hotel Die Swaene overlooks a picturesque canal in the Bruges city center. Its outstanding location and opulent yet intimate atmosphere makes this 30-room haven one of Europe’s most romantic hotels. A recent addition at the hotel is the “The Pergola” which has added eight beautiful suites and the noted restaurant “Pergola Kaffee” which... Read Full Story

For several years, we have visited with our friend Martine in the tiny village of St. Andeol de Berg which is just a few kilometers from the town of Villeneuve de Berg in Ardeche, France. She has made available her wonderful rental house to us and these stays have been a highlight of our trips. We have loved our evenings sitting at the white wooden table under the fig tree and looking out to the sunset while drinking delicious wine of the Rhone. And Romanesque churches! It will take a... Read Full Story

When I checked my email this morning there was a lovely photo from Martine, our good friend in Ardeche.  St. Andeol is a small village on a ridge near Villeneuve de Berg in the central-eastern part of the region. Enjoy! Read Full Story

A gem in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter Click on photo for more information & booking. Entering the Neri from the historic alleyways of the Barri Gotic, Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, you will be struck by the contrast between the sleek modern style which blends stylishly the echoes of the 18th-century palace that it once was.  This superb intimate boutique-style hotel provides an oasis of calm in a charming secluded district a mere 200 meters from the hustle and bustle of the Ramblas and just... Read Full Story