Margo Lestz's Blog, page 21
July 7, 2016
The Cicada (Cigale) of Provence
When the warm days of summer arrive in Provence, the air is filled with the song of the cicadas, or cigales in French...
June 23, 2016
Tartarin of Tarascon
Saint Martha isn’t the only slayer of ferocious beasts whose name is associated with Tarascon. The town's other celebrated hero, who also participates in the annual Tarasque festival, is Tartarin of Tarascan...
June 9, 2016
Saint Martha and the Tarasque in Provence
Saint Martha is said to have washed up onto the shores of Provence where she is remembered for dragon taming.
May 26, 2016
Gaudi Architecture Tells a Story in Barcelona
Today, we’ll be looking at two of Gaudi’s buildings and their relationship with two very different Georges: George, the dragon-slayer, and George, the filmmaker - otherwise known as Saint George and George Lucas.
May 12, 2016
Big Ben Silent Minute: Chimes and Prayers for Peace
Could Big Ben’s chimes have played a part in winning World War II? At least one Nazi official thought so...
May 6, 2016
Thinking of visiting Nice, France?
We’ve had a home in Nice for about nine years now, and it just seems to get nicer. There are plenty of things to see and do here: we have the sea, sun, history, art, music…
April 21, 2016
A Saint, a Convict, and a Gargoyle go into a Swamp…
On my recent trip through northern France, I was intrigued by the gargoyles on the gothic churches and wondered why they were there. Then I came across this story which seems like a pretty reasonable explanation.
April 7, 2016
3 Useful French Inventions
We have so many modern conveniences, and we rarely stop to think about what life might have been like before they were invented, or give a thought to their inventor. Today, we are looking at three French inventions that make our lives easer.
March 23, 2016
5 Riviera Cocteau Treasures
The artist, Jean Cocteau, spent his later years on the French Riviera, and the area still enjoys the beauty he left behind. There are five Cocteau sites between Nice and Menton just waiting to be discovered.
March 10, 2016
Madame Tussaud: Ahead of Her Time
When you think of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, you probably think of movie stars, political figures, and other famous people. But you might not realize the amazing story of the real-life Madame Tussaud and how she survived the French Revolution.
