Bonjour! It is Monday in France and I didn't know that most things are closed in this town not only on Sundays but also on Mondays. Mon Dieux! (one of the few things I remember from high school French).
This is a distant view of the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe (St. Michael of the Needle) which is a chapel in Aiguilhe, France (right on the border of Le Puy-en-Velay. It was built in 969 on a volcanic plug 279 feet high.
Another view. The chapel is reached by 268 steps carved into the rock and I climbed every steep one of them. The chapel was built to celebrate the return from the pilgrimage of Saint James.
The first steps were up this more modern spiral staircase and they didn't count shoe in the total steps..
and then I reached all of the stone stairs.
Handholds for rock climbers. I decided the stairs were better.
Whew. Finally, the chapel is visible. Small but fabulous.
A view from the top. The cathedral complex is in the distance
I can't imagine falling from this distance. I decided to walk down rather than jump.
The chapel had many beautiful stained-glass windows for its size.
I photographed this prayer.
The ceiling.
I can only imagine how often this gets used. It was a very taxing and steep climb to the top. My guide book recommended that you be fit before you even tried to reach the top. I had the place to myself. Imagine, no other fools climbed this in howling winds. I said prayers for all of you!
I have seen several signs for a doggie water closet here in Le Puy. I have never seen them anywhere else in Europe. Only the French would have a proper bathroom for the pups.
This is the main altar in the chapel which is dedicated to Saint Michael.
Saint Michael.
I was standing at the door looking out on the town. Beautiful views!
See those mountains in the background--tomorrows hike. Yipes! It is going to be a strenuous 15+ mile hike. And it is colder than Billy B Dern here. Dennis and I looked up the temperature before I left and it was supposed to be sixty. It is forty with howling winds. I bought a scarf today just to try to stay warm tomorrow. I have a thin base layer top and a down jacket but I froze all day today and tomorrow I climb in the mountains. I will have to keep going to stay warm.
Hmmm!
What a cute little French restaurant.
I ordered the Légumes thinking I was going to get beans but surprise...it was all kinds of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and one unidentifiable round, thinly sliced root that I have never had before. I never met a vegetable I didn't like and this might have been the best vegetable combination I have ever had. It was cooked perfectly, with a little butter and several herbs. It had a little bite without being mushy. YUM! If you don't like vegetables, this dish would change your mind.
I am not sure what the green weeds are but they complimented the dish perfectly. Oh, and it had a drizzle of balsamic.
Goodnight until tomorrow. Say some prayers for me!
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