- Patio de Lindaraja
16th century Renaissance-style addition. Originally an open garden, but closed when new buildings were added. - View from Alhambra
Wonderful view towards Albaicin and Sacromonte. - Church of Santa María de la Alhambra
The only way to take pictures without the crowds it so hide them behind the bushes :-) - Alhambra palace
Alhambra palace from Mirador de San Nicolas. With Sierra Nevada in the background. - Beaune
Remparts de la Comédie, the ramparts around the town is actually a street with some charming houses. - Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune
The reason why we came to Beaune: The hospices. Founded in 1443 as a hospital for the poor by Phillip the Good was in use until 1971. - Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune
View of the glazed-tiled hospice roof from the cour d'honneur, the main inner court. The roof type probably has central European origins, but is now a trademark of Burgundy. - Tapestry
A magnificent almost 8 m long "thousand flowers" tapestry is from the 16th century. What an interesting motif... - Château de Chenonceau
La tour des Marques The only remaining (and renovated) part of the medieval castle owned by the Marques family. - Château de Chenonceau
View of the castle from the gardens of Catherine de Médicis. - Château de Chambord
Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. Built in 1519–1547 as a hunting lodge for François Ier. A hunting lodge! - Château de Chambord
The residence of François Ier, built between 1539 and 1545. This is how the rooms looked like when the king came to stay. Super cosy. - Falaise
View from the falaise of the Falaise castle. - Fougères
Now THIS is a castle. Built from 12th to 15th century, it occupies an area of two hectares. - Digue de la Duchesse-Anne
The constructions of these dykes started in the 11th and 12th century. The dykes still separate cultivated polders and salty marshlands. And of course offer a great opportunity to hike or cycle :-) - Le Fort du Guesclin
As everything in Brittany, this place is also full of history. Romans, destroyed, fortress in 800s, destroyed, fortified castle built by Bertrand du Guesclin in 1100, destroyed in 1598, this one built in 1756... - Cairn of Barnenez
It is considered one of the oldest man-made structures. And yet not many visitors! - Cairn of Barnenez
Early Neolithic monument (4800 BC). It's 72 m long, up to 25 m wide, and over 8 m high. - Cairn of Barnenez
Art exhibition by local kids. Love it! - Château de Montfort
There are numerous castles along Dordogne. The Montfort castle was first destroyed in 1214. And three more times. So far. - Château de Beynac
The castle was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac, and later remodelled and enlarged. - La Roque-Gageac
Oh, another spectacular village. - La Roque-Gageac
A truly spectacular village. - La Roque-Gageac
If you have the time, hire a canoe. We unfortunately didn't. Next time :-) - La Roque-Gageac
Le manoir de Tarde from the 15th century. - Dordogne river
Climbing the exposed stairs might be scary for some. For me it was just insanely hot. But the views are rewarding. - Dordogne river
- Dordogne river
- Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
What an interesting curtain. And one of the modern pillars, keeping the fort stable. There were way too many collapses in recent past. - La Roque-Gageac
What a charming old town. - La Roque-Gageac
A lovely shade indeed. - Château de Montfort
- Rocamadour
Another fascinating place: Rocamadour. - Rocamadour
One could go down the stairs. And up the stairs again. Or not. - Rocamadour
Spectacular place. Already inhabited in the Paleolithic. The town peaked in the 12th century. 12th century! - Basilica of San Vitale
Probably the most famous mosaic in the church: Empress Theodora, the wife of Justinian I, holding the Eucharistic vessel. On the right might be Antonina, Belisarius’ wife, and other unnamed women, on the left is a court official and an eunuch. The detailing on the dresses (including the Tree Magi!) is insane. - Basilica of San Vitale
The Lamb of God, supported by four angels standing on blue globes. And plenty of animals, my favourite being peacocks. - Santo Spirito
The entrance to (now) Santo Spirito. Built by Theodoric around 500 as an Arian cathedral. Around 560 it became the Orthodox St Theodor and in 15th century Santo Spirito. - The Arian Baptistery
As always, beautiful decorations everywhere. - Classe
Saint Apollinaris praying with 12 little lambs. His coat is covered with golden bees, the symbol of eloquence. Wonderful background decorations, flowers, rocks, plants, birds... - Classe
What an idyllic scene. - Classe
More idyllic scenery. Not all of it is completely original though, but I don't know which part is and which isn't.