This cute family decided to take me to go see France Miniature. So, I mean, you can imagine how that went. I was completely obsessed, probably even more so than the kids were. The detail that they put into every inch of these tiny recreations was unbelievable!! I was so happy to be able to see all the cool landmarks and buildings in France, in just a few hours! Come along with me on this little tour de France!
This is the Saint-Antoine Abbey. 11th century.
The old Roman theater in Orange. Built in the 1st century BC! Crazy. I really wanted to visit this place, but I didn't get the chance. "The only theater in the world which has kept its echo." What the heck does that mean?
The Senanque Abbey. 12th century. Really famous lavender fields! Next time I go lavender-fielding, it will be here.
The arena in Arles, which I did see for real. Almost 2000 years old.
I was so proud of myself for recognizing St-Tropez from far away!
Corsica:
Snack break! One of the advantages of going anywhere with children: you know there's going to be lots of breaks and lots of snacks.
Notre Dame de la Garde basilica in Marseilles (19th century), which I also went to. So much cuter in miniature though!
Pont du Gard. I got the whole aquaduct in this picture! And the little one is shouting out "train!" So funny.
Village and church in Saint-Nectaire. Roman church completed in 1138.
Conques. This church was dedicated to a young martyr who was burned alive when she was 12.
This place I recognized: Carcassonne! The largest fortified city in Europe. Wow.
Lourdes! I seriously want to go here one day. This is the place where [allegedly] the virgin Mary appeared to this young girl named Bernadette. It is the largest pilgrimage site in the world. And I really want to go, despite my not being Catholic.
They even had the little grotte (cave?) on the side, where the vision took place.
Valentre Bridge in Cahors. 14th century.
Saint-Sernin Basilica in Toulouse. The largest Roman basilica in Europe. Geez! Another good reason to visit Toulouse :)
The tiny little windmills just killed me. I should have gotten someone else in the picture so you could tell how small they were.
The Benedictins train station in Limoges. Complete with the giant bell tower.
Chateau de Chambord. 1519. This is one honking big castle. Originally built as a hunting lodge. 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces (one for every day of the year!), and 83 staircases. Can you imagine?!
Chateau de Chenonceau. 16th century. This is a fairly famous chateau as well. I'd love to go there one day!
Mont Saint-Michel. More jumping...
Fort Boyard. This little fortress was used as a prison before the deportation of "communards" (political opponents) in New Caledonia. Go figure! Haha. Now there's this reality TV show that's filmed there. Random.
In the middle of the place, they have all these carnival-type rides. The kids were pretty excited about it.
Back to the visit!
The village of Saint-Emilion. World-famous for its wines, apparently.
Coutances Cathedral. 13th century.
L'arc de Triomphe!
The enormous soccer stadium in Paris.
Sacré Coeur
Le Moulin Rouge
Check out that eiffel tower!
Chateau de Versailles... again!
The gardens behind Versailles.
Chateau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. 16th century.
Cathedral of Chartres, with its famed stained glass. 12th century.
Little statue of Joan of Arc behind the Cathedral d'Orleans.
Hotel des Invalides. Under this dome lies Napoleon 1st. Built in 1671 by Louis 14.
In front of Notre Dame de Paris!
We honest-to-goodness thought that he was going to jump onto the train. As it was, he jumped off as it passed, straddling it on both sides. About had a heart attack.
Les Hospices de Beaune! This was like the first hospital ever, or something, back in the 1400s. The rooftops are extraordinary. One day I'll go in real life.
Bellecoeur Square in Lyon. "The first cinema pictures were shown in one of the buildings."
Notre Dame de Fourviere basilica in Lyon.
So, there you have it. Do you feel like you've just visited all of France? Me too!! I seriously can't get over this place. It's awesome. I think this should be high on the list of things to see in France, if only so you can see everything!
