Bob & Donna Are Off To Europe - Week #2

Did You Know? - Chalon-sur-Saône is famous as the birthplace of photography, due to local inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce who created the first permanent photograph. Historically, it was a significant Roman port and later a capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy.

Today, it remains an important river port, a center for Burgundy wine distribution, and home to the Musée Nicéphore-Niépce, which preserves its photographic legacy.

Photography Pioneer Nicéphore Niépce:Chalon-sur-Saône is the birthplace of Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, who invented the first permanent photograph in the early 19th century using a process called heliography.

Musée Nicéphore-Niépce:The city preserves Niépce's legacy in its dedicated photography museum, which holds a collection of early cameras, optical instruments, and historical photographs.

Ancient and Medieval History Roman Origins: The city was a vital Roman port and road communications hub, even housing the Roman 7th Army in 354 AD.

Kingdom of Burgundy: It served as a de facto capital for the Kingdom of Burgundy in the 6th century under King Guntram, who also promoted the cult of Saint Marcellus, who was martyred there.

River and Wine Trade River Port: Chalon-sur-Saône has always been a key river port, with the Saône River facilitating trade from the Mediterranean to Celtic Europe.

Wine Distribution: It is an important port for distributing wine from the surrounding Burgundy region and is a gateway for river cruise lines traveling to or from the area.

Other Trivia

Cathedrale Saint-Vincent: The city's cathedral, while having Romanesque roots, is known for its dominant Gothic style and a striking neo-Gothic façade from the 19th century.

Did You Know? - The grand staircase, in the center of the north wing, is the largest surviving example of a square stair around a central well.

Commissioned by a contract signed in Paris in January 1624, built in stone on four levels, and completed in ten months, it follows the layout of the staircase of the Luxembourg Palace, built by Salomon de Brosse in the year 1623 (destroyed in the early nineteenth century).

It is particularly noteworthy for its wide sweeping arches supporting flights of stone and for the magnificent balustrades 'laid out in the same dimensions and of similar architecture to those of the Luxembourg hotel' (1624 contract).

Did You Know? - Three residential wings are arranged in a horseshoe, completed on the outer corners by four large projecting defensive pavilions.

The fourth side was a rampart to first floor level, with a monumental entrance and drawbridge. T

he exterior facades, of military severity, were inspired by the citadel in Chalon, of which Antoine du Blé had been appointed Governor by Henri IV.

Did You Know? - Lyon is famous as France's culinary capital, the birthplace of cinema with the Lumière brothers' first film, and a UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich history including Roman and Renaissance eras.

It's known for its silk industry history, hidden "traboule" passageways, the Parc de la Tête d'Or, and the annual Festival of Lights. Gastronomy

Culinary Capital: Lyon is renowned as the gastronomic capital of France, known for its high-quality chefs and local specialties like the cheese spread Cervelle de canut.

Michelin Stars: Three of the first five restaurants to receive 3 Michelin stars were in or near Lyon.

History & Culture

Roman Past:Founded by the Romans as Lugdunum, Lyon was the capital of Roman Gaul for over 300 years, and you can still see Roman amphitheaters in the city.

UNESCO World Heritage:A large section of Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its Roman, Renaissance, Industrial, and 19th-century districts.

Silk Capital: In its prime, Lyon was the silk capital of Europe, with 100,000 silk looms operating at one point.

Traboules: The city has over 500 secret passageways called traboules, which were originally used to transport water and then protect valuable silk from rain.

Did You Know? - Beaujolais is a French wine region producing 100% Gamay red wines, the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of November celebrates the new harvest using carbonic maceration, and the region's history includes Roman cultivation and a 1980s marketing surge that initially tarnished its quality reputation. Hand-harvesting is mandatory for all Beaujolais wines.

Did You Know? - The village of Oingt was built in the 16th century out of local yellow stone (les pierres dorées), and has been maintained and restored since. Its narrow streets all lead to the chapel and keep on top of a hill, which offer spectacular views across the Beaujolais vineyards.

Did You Know? - Vienne, France, is known for its exceptionally preserved Roman and medieval architecture, including a temple, a theater, and a circus pyramid, making it a significant historical site in France.

Key facts include its Roman and Gallic origins, its role as a strategic location in the Holy Roman Empire and later France, and its current function as a commercial center with a notable Saturday market.

The town also hosts the annual Jazz à Vienne festival at its Roman theater and features the significant Council of Vienne in 1311, where the Knights Templar order was abolished by Pope Clement V.

Did You Know? - "La Voulte-sur-Rhône" is the name of a town in southern France, located in the Ardèche department, and it is also the name of a significant Middle Jurassic fossil site known for preserving exceptionally detailed marine organisms like cephalopods and arthropods in pyrite. In English, this translates to the same name, "La Voulte-sur-Rhône," but refers either to the village itself or the paleontological site, with the "sur-Rhône" part meaning "on the Rhône," indicating its location along the Rhône River.

Did You Know? - Famed as being "the most beautiful gorges in Europe", their 22 km long canyon through which the crystal-clear river flows offers a wealth of adventures with the family. Explore the gorges from a canoe, admire the cliffs sometimes up to 250m high, and sail beneath the emblematic Pont-d'Arc in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

Did You Know? - Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a famous red wine appellation and region in France's Southern Rhône Valley, known for its full-bodied, high-alcohol wines made from a blend of up to thirteen authorized grape varieties, primarily Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The area's unique terroir of rolled pebbles and other soils, its historic connection to the Avignon Papacy, and its strict AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) regulations contribute to its complex and powerful style, which features flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy herbs (garrigue). K

Key Characteristics Wine Style: Full-bodied and complex, with high alcohol content.

Flavor Profile: Red and dark fruit (blackberry, plum), spicy notes (black pepper), and earthy herbs (thyme, rosemary, lavender) known as "garrigue".

Grape Varieties: A blend of several authorized grapes, with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre being the most prominent.

History: The name means "The Pope's new castle" and refers to the 14th-century papal palace built in the area during the Avignon Papacy.

Terroir: Famous for its "rolled pebbles" or galets roulés, which retain heat and release it at night, aiding grape ripening, but also includes sandy and clay soils.

Appellation: The first appellation recognized in France in 1936, with strict regulations on grape growing and winemaking.

What to Expect in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape For Red Wines: Expect rich, powerful flavors with notes of dark fruit, herbs, and spices, with earthy and leathery notes developing as the wine ages.

For White Wines: Less common but still recognized, they are often floral and peachy, with a surprising structure and high alcohol content, though typically consumed younger than the reds. Visiting the Region Explore the town, including the ruins of the 14th-century papal castle. Stroll through the winding streets and visit the many local wine cellars and shops for tastings. Learn about the unique terroirs and their influence on the wine's character.

Did You Know? - Arles, France, is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including a famous amphitheater, that earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

It served as an important Roman city and a crucial trading post. The city is also closely associated with the artist Vincent van Gogh, who lived and painted there for a year, creating about 300 works.

Arles is situated at the Rhône River's fork, giving rise to the picturesque Camargue region.

Roman History & Architecture Roman Amphitheater: The ancient Roman arena, built around 90 AD, could seat over 20,000 spectators and is still used for events like bullfights.

Roman Theater: Excavations have unearthed valuable artifacts, including the Venus of Arles, now housed in the Louvre.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The city's Roman and Romanesque monuments were collectively inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.

Roman Road: Arles was a crucial stop on the Roman road connecting Italy and Spain.

Artistic & Cultural Heritage Van Gogh's Muse: Vincent van Gogh spent a year in Arles (1888-1889) and produced over 300 paintings and drawings, including iconic works like "Starry Night Over the Rhône" and "The Yellow House".

Paul Gauguin: Van Gogh's friend Paul Gauguin also found inspiration in the region's light and landscape, creating significant works during his stay.

International Photography Festival: Arles hosts an annual international photography festival, highlighting its vibrant arts scene.

Geography & Environment The Rhône River: Arles sits at the strategic point where the Rhône River divides, forming the two branches that create the delta of the unique and picturesque

Camargue region. River Port: Due to its location on the Rhône, Arles remains a significant river port, primarily handling oil tankers.

Modern Arles Tourism & Agriculture: The local economy relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, complemented by industries like chemical, metal, and paper manufacturing.

Vibrant City: Today, Arles is a thriving city known for its compact layout, historical sites, and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Did You Know? - Arles, France, is known for its significant Roman heritage, including a well-preserved arena still used for events, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also famous as the city where Vincent van Gogh painted over 300 works during a highly productive period in his life. Other points of interest include the Théâtre antique, Thermes de Constantine (Roman baths), and the city's thriving culture, which hosts an international photography festival.