This time I would like to be back from sunny Africa to Europe.

I have been living in Paris for 3,5 years. It is said, Paris is not France and if you want to feel real French spirit you need to go to province. I was lucky, I had a chance to visit my husband’s friends – Gilbert and Josette - living in Dijon, Burgundy.

Dijon is a small, cosy city with shops of local specialities, rich ancient architecture.

One of the oldest house in Dijon.

We have been in Burgundy several times. One summer weekend of 2007, our friends gave us a special opportunity to visit two old towns not so far away from Dijon: Clamecy and Vézelay .

I had a fantastic trip. Narrow streets, ancient churches, houses, not hurrying people, small shops made me feel like in a movie “Chocolate”.

Clamecy:

Usually the central place in small towns is church. Vézelay is not an exception. Basilica of St. Magdalene is built on the high hill. I haven’t taken the picture of the basilica because the batteries of my old Epson camera were discharged as I was photographing every conner of the building and street. But on the way the old houses, decorated with flowers, lanterns were wispering their own stories, that made me especially happy. I was charmed by the atmosphere of the small old town.

I should admit it was not so easy to reach the top of the hill. And no doubt it was worth to sacrifice some energy for the promenade – the view from the hill returned all the resources.

Thank you, Gilbert and Josette, for your hospitality, attention and care.