It’s been a while since I posted a new entry. Not for lack of desire but life has a way of getting away from you. In May, my job took me to the south of France to Montpellier. Technically, I’m told, this is not the French Riviera but it’s right next door. I feel like I’ve already been there because I drive through Creve Coeur, IL almost twice a week. That’s our Riviera and I live right next door. 🙂

We decided to fly into Paris and train to Montpellier so we could see the French country side. The ride into Montpellier was majestic.

After we were told we had to pay 50 Euro to change train tickets to the earlier train, we sat around for what seemed like forever. They don’t tell your train platform until the last minute. Why? I can only imagine is to avoid interference with the crews preparing the train for the next trip.  I truly enjoyed the ride down to Montpellier (MOP). We saw countless old cities and classic French country side. These shots only cover a slice of the beautiful countryside.

Train station in Paris

On the train to MOP, I was rapid firing my camera. Then I noticed what seemed like a Roman bridge, perhaps acquaduct. Cool either way.

I was taking pictures of this castel in the distance and when Iooked at the images later, I noticed this river int he foreground.

French village

We saw countless villages like this along the way that must date to Roman times

Montpellier (MOP) is home of one of the oldest Universities on earth. Downtown MOP is a beautiful mix of modern and ancient city. I thought these first couple shots captured that well.

Downtown MOP

Downtown MOP

At dusk on our first evening, I had to to see the PPromenade de Peyrou. There are lots of interesting details, like the statue of Louis XIV on horseback extending his arm towards Spain. The 18th-century Château d’Eau is a monumental water tower fed by the Saint-Clement Aqueduct, which is 14 kilometres long and crosses the square. The arch de triumph celebrates Louis XIV.

King Louis XIV pointing toward Spain

Place Royale du Peyrou, 34000 Montpellier.

Arch de triomphe memorializes Louis XIV

Aquadukt Saint Clement: Although similar to ancient Roman aquaducts, this relatively new 18th century aquaduct served Montpelllier water demands until recent times.

I wasn’t thrilled with the shots I captured the first night. On the second evening, I convinced John to go back so I could try again. I do like most of these better.

Beautiful view of the Royale du Peyrou in Montpellier. — at Place Royale du Peyrou, 34000 Montpellier.

I couldn’t decide which one I liked most. You tell me.

This is a Roman-esque aqueduct situated behind the Place Royale du Peyrou right at dusk. — at Place Royale du Peyrou.

This HDR shot didn’t turn out quite like I hoped.

Thought this building looked very similar to our US government buildings in DC. — at Cour D’Appel de Montpellier.

Center of Montpellier is a beautiful square known as Place de la Comedie. At night, the place lights up wonderfully. — at Pace de la Comedie, Montpellier, France.

On our last evening, we had dinner at the beach. We didn’t exactly find the most ideal spot to shoot pictures but this shot turned out OK.

Our train ride back to Paris was not as expected. In fact, we will likely choose fly next time instead. Not 30 minutes outside of MOP, the train slowed to a halt. The PA barked out a a long explanation in French. Then we heard in English, “The train is delayed at least one hour….” The rest didn’t really matter. Come to find out, someone decided to commit suicide by train ahead of us causing delays on our track. It took an extra 90 minutes and by the time we arrived in our hotel, we were exhausted and in no mood to travel into Paris through the pouring rain.

Irony: The train ride home lent an interesting point of view for me. I like to call this Irony because they are generating power with both nuclear fuel and renewable wind powered turbines.