theonlyD800inthehameau
Photography by theonlydeadheadinthehameau
Tuesday Photo Challenge: Height
Posted on May 29, 2018
The medieval Abbaye de la Reau has been extensively renovated in recent years. It has to be said, though, that not much has been done to the 15th-century Tour de Défense (built after the original Abbaye was burnt down by the English: so a bit late then) whose roof collapsed long ago.
The Tour actually isn’t a particularly tall structure (just two stories), although the sense of height is – well, heightened – when you point a camera straight up at the sky.
Perspectives on the Pont Valentre
Posted on April 13, 2018
The Pont Valentré, which bridges the river Lot in Cahors, dates from the fourteenth century, so certainly qualifies for Cee’s category this week of anything over 50 years old.
Then again, so do I….
The bridge’s four towers makes it visually appealing not only from a distance but also – unlike some – when you’re actually standing on it.
Thursday Doors: Return to Cahors (2)
Posted on March 15, 2018
This week, another selection of images from my recent doorscursion to the town of Cahors. Last week I mentioned that a notable feature was the elaborate carving to be seen on many doors, including this notable example.
Cahors has an impressive cathedral, with the comparatively unusual feature of two domes. It’s arguably more impressive inside than out, but it does have some well maintained doors:
Another feature of the doors of Cahors is that it is quite common to find an ancient door in the middle of a row of more modern frontages, as in the first image and also, more clearly,here:
Finally, another example of the juxtaposition of old and new(er):
Thursday Doors 15 March 2018
Weekly Photo Challenge: Out of this world
Posted on March 1, 2018
In modern times, the power of religion is much diluted. However, it is important to remember that at one time the grandeur of great cathedrals – now often faded – was designed to impress a superstitious and almost certainly illiterate populace.
Both the architecture and the decor were intended to provide an idea of the glories of the life hereafter: literally out of this world.
Even now, the twin domes of the cathedral of Cahors can still impress even the most determinedly secular of observers.
The old staircase
Posted on February 23, 2018
This ancient and very worn staircase can be found on the Pont Valentre in the town of Cahors, in southern France.
Amazingly, worn as it is and with no handrail, it is not roped off in any way to prevent public access. It would take a brave or foolhardy soul to climb it, though, however impressive the views over the River Lot might be from the top.
The staircase
Posted on January 26, 2018
While visiting the restored medieval abbey of Noirlac last year, I was struck by this almost abstract composition of a curving staircase and austere stone walls. Another homage to M C Escher and suitable for Cee’s Black & White subject of ‘Walls’ this week.
Roman right-angle
Posted on January 12, 2018
At the Roman site of Cassinomagus, archaeologists have excavated the steps that surrounded and led down to the fountain or spring that would have provided the settlement with most of its fresh water. This is a detail of one corner.
Top Posts & Pages
