Romanesque at its Best!

Our three months in Paris ended today (sigh) and we took the train to Clermont-Ferrand (3 1/2 hours directly south), pretty much in the middle of France. We arrived at the end of the afternoon, so we only had time to walk to this church and eat dinner.

It's the Romanesque Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port. Founded in the 6th century and burnt down by the Vikings, it was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries "with outstanding stylistic unity," according to our Michelin green guide for the Auvergne region. It's tightly surrounded by other buildings; on balance this blip of the east end is the best I was able to get.

Off to bed--more on Clermont-Ferrand tomorrow!