Saint Jean Pied de Port day 2

Second impressions of the town are more favourable.
Yesterday was late and the town was very busy with pilgrims searching for places to stay. Today was a lot quieter and lent itself to more sightseeing.
The old town is very nice with narrow cobbled streets and interesting shops, although most are catering for the tourist / pilgrims. The town also has a fortifed citadel high on the hill that is well worth the climb to view and for the vantage point for the surrounding area. The local school occupies the buildings in the citadel. The fortifications were designed by Vauban. He must have got around a bit as we have seen his handywork all over Europe.
Back to the campsite for the shade during the heat of the afternoon and for first wife to do some washing, good lass.
Over the Pyrenees tomorrow on the N-135 which is supposed to be an interesting drive. I imagine their will be a few renditions of "The self preservation society" going round the hairpin bends.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bulnes prestige car showroom

Image
The latest model of personal luxury transport for the aspiring Bulnes executive: Open topped Cabriolet. 4 wheel drive. Power steering. Fully air conditioned. Sporty roll cage. Spacious boot. Stylish "go anywhere" tyres on iron alloy wheels. High performance exhaust system married to an air cooled 2 cylinder side valve diesel engine for that throaty rattle. A steering wheel. Faux leather interior trim. Occasional brakes. Can be converted into a mobile residence with the "tent" option. Ex Audi drivers will love the lack of any indicators. Price on application. No time wasters, this a once in a lifetime offer.
Read more

Combarro

Image
We drove to the aire near Combarro, for an urgent stop at the service point for water etc. Parked up and walked to Combarro an old fishing village with a number of horreos, food storage buildings on stilts lining the shore. The village itself is well worth a visit, steep narrow streets built on and into the rocks.
Read more

Stretton Fox

Handy pub stopover just off the M6 / M56. Some nice real ales at the bar and a rustic atmosphere.  Very busy for a Wednesday night. Food looks good, but we have already eaten, maybe next time. Good night sleep with the soothing drone of the motorway traffic in the distance.
Read more