A day on the Canal de Bourgogne and the weed on the prop make it almost impossible to navigate. Luckily we have an inspection opening above the prop that makes a plunge into the canal waters unnecessary. Not a pleasant thought. If you can stop admiring my physique, you will notice a healthy crop of lettuces that Lynda managed to grow this year. Bottom left just under the dripping socks!!.

The rooftop view of Dijon – often the most fascinating parts of the French landscape. However walking around always looking up is a major hazard as the French insist on taking their dogs out for a walk several times a day and they never clean up afterwards. Doggy poop hopscotch is a favourite sport here.

One of the many old half timbered houses with a shop on ground floor.

A building inspectors nightmare. No nails are used in the framing, it is done with timber dowels.

The historical walk around town is marked with a series of brass plaques set in the foot path. Each place of note is numbered and a guide book explains the significance. The symbol used is a little owl.

Lynda with the original little owl which is the symbol for Dijon. Rub it’s head and make a wish.

The main city square is in a semi-circle (does that sound right?) in front of a former palace. Several rows of fountains in the paving are on axis with the main roads leading into the Square

Great place for kids to have fun.

Unfortunately some of the less sophisticated among us show little style in such elegant places

Most of the buildings have a lot of fine detailing. Many seem to have a quirky sense of humour. These little fellows are holding up the corbelling stones.

The Dijon region is well known for the multicoloured tiled roofing. A nice townhouse in central Dijon

The French are not to keen on maintenance, houses, canals, you name it, but even the most run down building, town or canal lock has a fine display of flowers. The reason for this apparent contradiction eludes me.

The hospice in Beaune, the centre of the Cote d’Or wine growing area. This building was an infirmary for the sick of the area and was built in 12C. Not bad for a 900 yo building. It was the first to use the multi coloured tiles which have become a hallmark of the Burgundy region. The building has World Heritage listing, and deservedly so. Almost worth being sick to stay in the place. The inside was just as good as the exterior.

The kitchen, a much later update. Note the elegant swan head taps over the stove for boiling water.

Lynda trying her hand at making Dijon mustard during a visit to the Edmond Fallot mustard factory. It is the only one that still crushes the seeds with a stone grinding mill. They sell produce at the factory and in special shops in Dijon. However we found it for sale in most of the local supermarkets for around half the price. Sounds like the vineyard sales on Oz.

Lizzy and Lynda learning how to become mustard connoisseurs. Unlike wine tastings you get to swallow the sample. I think Lizzy has certain reservations about the Moutarde au Pain d’Epices 2008.

Tiled roof on house near Dijon.

We spent a day with some American boaty friends, Don and Laura, wandering around the Cote de Nuit, the most prestigious area of the Cote d’Or. The vineyards just visible on the right are possibly the most valuable in the world. The bag on Don’s shoulder had their little terrier dog which goes everywhere with them. In typical French manner we ate at a restaurant with the dog sitting under the table. Unfortunately the limit on our credit card precluded us from sampling the local produce.