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From Padirac in Dordogne to Chinon on the
Loire Valley
While using Rocamadour
as our home base, we visited other places in the Dordogne
region: the underground caves at Padirac, a short stop at Martel,
and the medieval town of Sarlat. After one more night at
Rocamadour, we continue the northbound trek towards Chinon in
the Loire Valley, the town of Joan of Arc.
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The Padirac Chasm
The Gouffre de Padirac is an amazing
natural phenomenon 30 minutes east of Rocamadour.
Located about 300 feet below ground is
a huge cave with running water. You go down a very wide well which
leads to a small dock. There, your guides will take you n a short boat
ride and a walk through the caves. The many interesting limestone
formations and winding paths make the trip worthwhile.
(Tip: The guides speak in French
only so it would be good to buy those English booklets that tell the
story before going down the chasm. By the way, no photos are allowed
in the caves.)
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Martel
Martel was built around a church
founded by Charles Martel to commemorate his victory over the Arabs.
In memory of its founder, the town took his name and chose his
favourite weapon, the hammer, for its coat of arms.
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Sarlat
Old Sarlat's townscape is a maze of
medieval streets lined with Rennaissance buildings and houses built
primarily from limestone.
Tip: Try the regional specialty:
Foie Gras (duck liver pate) in different grades and varieties.
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Sarlat's cathedral
silhouettes against the afternoon sun. |
Oradour-Sur-Glane
Oradour-Sur-Glane
is a poweful reminder of how war can be cruel. On June 10, 1944, the Nazis
killed all 642 civilians in the town (nearly 200 children) as a
demonstration of power when they heard that the Allied Forces were
advancing in Northern France. The Martyrs' Village solemnly preserves the
town's destroyed buildings and houses.
A rusted cross in front of the town church. |
The hollow body of a PT cruiser sits still in the shade of a burned
down building. |
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Chinon
This town in the Loire
Valley is known for its castle fortress, wich was where the
first meeting between Charkes VII and Joan took place.
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| Larry and Yee pose
in front of one of many vineyards in the Loire Valley. |
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A catapult sits adjacent to the castle.
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The fascinating townscape viewed from atop the castle.
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