Castles and Cathedrals ~ Countances, France

"The Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Coutances"



The Village of Coutances~  
  

Coutances is built on a narrow height that stretches from north to south to the altitude of 91 meters.

The south, west and east sides of the hill are quite steep, and down quickly to Prépont valleys east of the Soulle Bulsard south and west, which are the three rivers that surround the site the city.

 

Cultural and historical capital of the Cotentin, Coutances, dominated by its Gothic cathedral, invites you to discover and to linger. The churches of St. Peter and St. Nicolas, garden plants, old streets and mansions give the city a charm that has not diminished the reconstruction of post-war. Close to the city's museums Saussey manor and Castle Gratot are an invitation to wander off the beaten track.

 

Castle Gratot~

Just a few miles outside of Coutance you will find the Chateau de Gratot.
The first Château de Gratot was built during the 14th century, but underwent many transformations until the 18th century. It was constructed by the family of Argouges, barons of Gratot: they sold the castle in 1771. The castle is built in a number of styles, the most recent addition being a pavilion built in the 18th century.

The castle was neglected in the 19th century, and was used as a fodder warehouse for local farmers. It was definitively abandoned at the start of the 20th century. Since 1968 it has been recovering its past glories owing to a team of volunteers who restore it lovingly. The main restoration work took place in the late 60's and 70's, requiring tonnes of rubble to be removed from the cellars and ground floor, and the castle grounds to be cleared of undergrowth. Since then some buildings, including two of the towers, have been rebuilt, including adding wooden roofs to the towers and some buildings.

Historical documents and 19th century paintings showing the castle as a romantic ruin were used to guide reconstruction efforts. The 18th century pavilion has been fully restored with roof, floors, a staircase, windows and electricity, allowing it to be used for exhibitions and cultural events. It is open year round to the public.

The Legend of the Fairy~

The Fairy tower (French: La tour de la fée) was constructed at the end of the 15th century, and is supported by strong buttresses. The base is octagonal, and is finished by a rectangular room: the roof has two panels. The top is decoreted by balusters and gargoyles.

Long ago, the Lord of Gratot, returning from hunting, was attracted to the fountain by the beautiful voice of a young woman, it was the fairy Gratot.
Seduced, he married her.

But their union was possible on one condition. It was necessary that he never pronounce the word DEATH! A beautiful day ... If you want to know the thrilling sequel to the legend, you must go and discover the Castle of Gratot!

Where's it at?

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Eurail Global Pass

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Benefit from a wide network of high speed and local trains with unlimited rail travel among 24 countries. From Denmark and Finland to Spain and Portugal, from Croatia and Hungary to Italy and France, the Eurail Global Pass stays the best option to discover Europe across its culture, traditions, gastronomy and climate diversity.
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Bonuses

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Check out the Thalys also known as The Red Train

Thalys, also known as the red train connects Brussels and the Benelux with destinations in France, Germany and the Netherlands at speeds of up to 300 km/hr. In 2009 Thalys launched a new section of high-speed line, cutting journey times. Today Thalys trains cross Benelux from Paris in less than 3 and a half hours.
With frequent services – up to 23 daily returns between Paris and Brussels alone – it’s easy to add another destination to your itinerary with Thalys.
Thalys tickets are available up to three months before departure; we recommend that you book early to benefit from the best fares. While there is no check-in to board Thalys trains, reservation is required on Thalys and is included within the price of your Rail Europe ticket.

 

 

Enjoy the bar and buffet while on board.

 

 

Nice comfortable seats including a fancy loo! 

 

 

What do you want to see? Where do you want go? Europe is loaded with so many exciting sites to explore. Two of my favorites are the many ancient castles and cathedrals. Travel from small villages to all the famous large cities. Check out the Rail Europe website for prices and details. Plus they have an interactive travel map to help you plan out your own itinerary.

  

 

 

Exploring Piedmont in Northwestern Italy

Turin or Torino
The capital of the Piedmont Region, has much to offer to the traveler, from its Baroque cafes and architecture to its elegant shops and museums, which include the famed Egyptian Museum and the Shroud of Turin. Just outside Torino, you can visit the beautiful Baroque Savoy Palace and gardens at La Venaria Reale.

Piedmont wine country

Palazzo Madama, Piazza Castello. Recently re-opened after a long refurbishment, it is attracting many tourists. It was home of the Queen, and is a mix of medieval and baroque rooms. There's a room with red sofas to take a rest after the visit, with a magnificient chandelier, and a cafeteria in one of the rooms. Contains plenty of art depicting Christ in various stages of life (and death) and some fascinating scenes of life in Torino in times gone by.

The Palazzo Madama

River Po Park, part of the longest river of Italy is protected as a natural park. Its benches are full of interesting and unexpected views onwards the town and the hill and are enriched by the Castle of Valentino, Medieval Burgh and Gran Madre church, which mirror on river Po. Enjoy a scenic boat tour down the river as well.

The Park on the River Po

Valentino Park, the biggest park in Turin central area. This park is situated along the Po river and in its area you can find the Valentino Castle, and the Medieval Village.

Valentino Castle at night

Where to Stay,
The Hotel Giotto Torino~ Hotel Giotto is a recently restored three-star hotel located in a residential area close to the river Po and just a short walk from the famous Valentino Park and to the romantic area of the 'Borgo Medievale', Valentino Castle seat of the University of Architecture,  as well as Torino Esposizioni Congress and Fair Centre.

Within walking distance:
     •    Torino Esposizioni Venue
    •    Teatro Nuovo, Ice skating Palace
    •    Valentino Park: Botanical Garden
    •    Borgo Medievale
    •    Promotrice Belle Arti
    •    University of Architecture
    •    University of Medicine, Pharmacy
    •    Molinette Medical Centre

http://www.hotelgiottotorino.com

Adventure just an hour or so from Torino

The Tibetan Bridge in Claviere, Piedmont, Italy
Experience the thrill of walking the longest Tibetan Bridge in the world suspended for 468 meters between the towns of Claviere and Cesana Torinese over the San Gervasio Gorge in Italy. Do you dare?

 

 

Where's it at?