France
the museum of miniatures and cinema in lyon
Would you believe these are miniature scenes?
How realistic, right? Well, there are over 100 of these scenes on display at the Musée Miniature et Cinéma* in Lyon, France.
There are a few exhibit rooms dedicated to displaying all these different miniature (to-scale) scenes crafted by miniaturists. When we say miniature, we mean that these were behind viewing windows (for most) of no bigger than 30 cm. The detail in each scene is simply astounding and how life-like they are had us fascinated for ages!
But before you can even lay your eyes on all these delicate and artistic scenes, for all those movie buffs out there, there is a film exhibition, that you should get through, focusing on special effect techniques with original film props. With over 300 for you to explore, you will be occupied for hours. Props, costumes and artefacts from movies including Planet of the Apes, X-Men, Star Wars, Gremlins and Harry Potter are exhibited.
And if you ever saw the movie, Perfume, then you might recognise these scenes.
Some of the articles on display are not for the faint-hearted or youngsters, but if movies with blood, gore and aliens is your thing, then you shall be thoroughly entertained.
Our verdict
It’s a different type of “sight-seeing” especially when we needed a break from the history/art museums, castles and churches. We really enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind spending a bit more time in there. It’s a good place for the whole family, but be aware that the exhibits are on different floors that require using steps.
* Entrance is 9€ for adults (other prices available on their website) or free with the Lyon City Pass.
Hope you all have a great rest of the week!
More posts to follow about Lyon and other parts of our Europe adventures as we still
have so much more to share but for the next 6 weeks or so, our focus will be on the
Camino!
Share this:
17 years ago…
On this day 17 years ago, Princess Diana died in a car accident in Paris.
We were both in high school at the time and hearing the news is still as clear as day in our heads.
Here we are 17 years on walking the streets of Paris oblivious to the significance of today until we came across “The Flame of Liberty”, which is located just above the tunnel where the accident happened.
The Flame of Liberty is a full-sized replica of the one held by the Statue of Liberty in New York City. And is now an unofficial memorial for Princess Diana.
In memory of Princess Diana
1961 – 1997
Share this:
a peek at eight chateaux of the loire valley
For a few days, we were walking through the same hallways that Leonardo da Vinci did during the last few years of his life. We also walked where Catherine de Medici did and where other French kings and nobility had walked.
We were in the Loire Valley of France and felt like we had been transported back several hundred years. It was time to explore the châteaux and castles of the region. But when there are approximately 300 of them, 100 or so of which we can actually visit – how do we choose which ones to go to?
So we decided to choose based on their exterior. Yes, we know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but we did! Because when we sought guidance by asking those working in the travel industry in Tours which were their favourites (to help us narrow it down), they all responded the same.
“It’s too hard to choose. Each one is beautiful in their own way!”
Which was clearly not helpful to us at all.
To start with, we thought they only said that because they were being diplomatic and didn’t want to influence which ones we saw. After seeing 8 of the chateaux– we realized we couldn’t choose which one was our favourite either! Each was so architecturally different, with different interiors, gorgeous gardens or unique histories that enchanted us.
Here are a few sneak peek photos of the 8 we saw.
Villandry
The last of the great château built during the Renaissance. This estate has a magnificently manicured garden, fitted out with a vegetable and herb garden as well. This one is probably best explored on a lovely day.
Azay-le-Rideau
It was owned by the financier to King Francois I. He initially acquired the fortress in the early 1500s before building the luxurious château.
Chambord
The biggest of all in the Loire Valley – it was intended to be a hunting lodge for Francois I but he only spent about 72 days there. The grounds are so vast, it is enclosed with a 32 km wall.
Cheverny
It is currently inhabited by the descendants of the Huraults Family. It has been owned by the Huraults for 6 centuries. It is still used for hunting parties and has kennels with about a hundred French Hounds which are fed at 5pm – it is rather entertaining to watch.
There may be a chance you recognise this château from Tintin?
Clos Lucé
Leonardo da Vinci spent his last few years in this château at the invitation of Francois I. This was an interesting château as we really got an insight into the rather profound thoughts behind da Vinci’s inventions.
Amboise
This was a place to live and stay for royalty but also had a wonderful view of the Loire Valley. It was a symbol of the King’s power and economic status.
Chenonceau
Possibly one of the most recognised château of the region – it was built over the River Cher. This is another estate with beautiful gardens. King Henri II gifted his mistress Diane de Poitiers with the château. His wife, Catherine de Medici removed Diane and in exchange gave her Chaumont.
Chaumont
This château was likely used as a hunting ground. It has a remarkable garden and each year hosts an International Garden Festival. It has well-preserved horse stables which houses one of the finest gala saddleries in France.
Based on just the exteriors, which ones do you like the look of?
If you have visited the region, which was your favourite and why?
Tell us your thoughts here
Share this:
photo of the day: carcassonne
After walking up 242 steps to the top of St Vincent’s Bell Tower for a view of the medieval city of Carcassonne, we had to share what we saw.
This is our photo of the day!
Click on the picture to enlarge and click here to leave us a comment.
Share this:
- ← Previous
- 1
- …
- 4
- 5
- 6
- Next →
wise monkeys abroad 