France

Who could not be impressed by such a structure. The Pont de Normandie was opened in 1995 and was then the world’s largest cable-stayed bridge. It spans the river Seine linking Le Havre to Honfleur in Normandy, northern France. Its total length is 2,143metres – 856 metres between the two piers. It has a clearance of 52 m and total height of 215 m. A pleasure to see like this and a costly pleasure to drive over.

A new day here on the northern coast of Normandy, France. The mist comes and goes as this group sets of to walk alongside the very high and dangerous cliffs that lie just a few metres to the left. ..Some minutes later they retreated back having decided no doubt that it was a bit too dangerous, opting instead, like us, to take the safer steps down to the seaside town of nearby Etretat.

As the mist swirls around this Natural Arch I am reminded again of the beauty of Mother Earth's sea boundaries. PiP

A view from our rented Gîte in Normandy across the garden, taken in the golden hour. Certainly a subject for a painting! The white blooming trees where possibly apple. See PiP for Misty Morning View

Here on the streets of Rouen in France, these tulips vie with the nearby restaurants for attention.

A first look at this most picturesque port, characterised by its houses with slate-covered frontages, and painted many times by artists. This inner-harbour view, is by no means its best but still, it s quite wonderful to see and stroll around. An old town, displayed here in an old monochrome manner!

A steel suspension bridge that crosses the Seine River and connects Tancarville and Marais-Vernier, near Le Havre. Main bridge length: 960m, 50m above river, main span 608m. Pylon height: 123m Start of build 1955, finished in 1959 at a cost of 9 billion francs. In the 1990s it was realised that the cables had corroded (as has beset the Forth Road Bridge) and the shoulders were crumbling. In 1996-99 both the cables and shoulders were successfully replaced. wiki

A misty look at this beautiful chalk arch as we follow the fence. It did get brighter and clearer as the day drew on. Such a scene as this demanded a further visit, which we managed almost a week later in the sun but without the flavour we see here. HFF to all, and enjoy your weekend, Herb nb PiP for higher view of these cliffs

Covered in flamboyant Gothic stonework, the Rouen Cathedral is an ancient Roman Catholic cathedral located in the city of Rouen in Normandy. The cathedral has the seventh-tallest recorded height among all church buildings in the world at 151m. WiKi At the cathedral site in Rouen, there was a church built by Bishop Victricius during the late 4th century. The building was destroyed during the Viking invasion in the 9th century, but it was rebuilt and enlarged by Richard I, the grandson of Viking leader Rollo. The consecration of the church in 1063 was done in the presence of William I See PiP for perspective corrected version.

Walking along the famous River Seine in the early evening can result in witnessing some impressive lighting. These clouds were to bring some heavy rain during the night but thankfully all was well again for the next day. The sun-beams here were almost like watching the Aurora Borealis , coming and going.

A historical back streets of Honfleur holds many mysteries as well as beauty. Here we see the interplay of light and shadows on both the steps and cobblestone which is always a favourite subject for me. Best viewed full screen, black background :)

The title says it all. Seen in our city wanderings here. Very close to the monument and church dedicated to Joan-of-arc, who was burned at the stake here. ps... Notice the bike on the fenced balcony! A great place indeed.

All pedestrian and car traffic comes to a halt as this yacht sails into this small inner harbour. Enjoy the reflections here. Seen in the pretty town of Honfleur, France.

"Its OK for you with that camera, you are not pulling this thing around all day" - they seem to be thinking as he looks at me. A great pair of horses, obviously well looked after and enjoying there job of pulling a wonderful carriage of tourist around these narrow streets. Another one that works well in full screen.

The classic view of Honfleur and its magnificent inner harbour. I have visited many seaside villages and towns like this but I must admit to this being possibly the best one for reflections such as this. I think you will agree with me, a perfect place for a walk, something to eat and some beautiful photos. The bright outside cafe awnings make a fitting contribution to this old town. ps -deserves full screen treatment :) .............. See PiP's

Against my normal instinct, I have posted here another picture of the Port de Honfleur here. Please forgive me if this is just my indulgence, otherwise enjoy. See PiP's for alternate Honfleur photos.

Seen over a café restaurant in Honfleur.

Here I am in the resort of Deuville looking across the river to Trouville. Both are equally as beautiful but a hint of Summer caught my eye.