Abbey of Saint Philibert & Macon Winery
Today we traveled about 40 minutes north to Tournus where we were supposed to have docked yesterday, but the river is too flooded. Here we spent a great deal of time exploring the ancient monastery & abbey which was built in 1000 AD. Was huge and amazing. And in the crypt the ceilings were the original ones from almost 1500 years ago. We then wandered around the medieval town which was interesting. I particularly enjoyed when we went through a traboule - a secret passage through the buildings from one part of the town to another. Back to the ship where lunch was being served and about an hour later we headed to a local winery which is family owned, run by a mother & daughter and operates with only four full time employees, producing 90,000 bottles of white wine annually. It was another great day! Tomorrow we have a morning tour then we're bypassing the winery visit to enjoy a full afternoon of sailing on the Saone River! I love the cruising on the European rivers! Enjoy the photos.
The flooded Saone River in Tournus - where we SHOULD have docked
The monastery - constructed as a fortress The 1500 year old church
The interior of the massive church Interesting notes - the interior used to be completely painted, still see some remnants (left)......the vaulted ceiling is not one long vault but a series of shorter ones - a subject of architectural study The medieval organ with 1000 pipes! Stone mosaics cover the floor behind the alter The crypts - the original ceilings have NOT been restored!! The cloisters - you can see the two towers....unlike other medieval churches which have twin towers in the front, this one has one in the front and one in the back The monk's dormitories used to be here, but were destroyed by fire. What appears to be a window is actually THE DOOR which led from the dormitory to the study and on into the church The coolest part of the town tour was walking thru the traboule - the secret passage....looks like "just a door" unless you know which one to go through! The Ferrand Winery fields Barrels just filled with wine days ago Oh yes......I know wine :)
Yesterday was the Opening Day at Keeneland....won 3-of-6 races while traveling through France :)
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