The history of Bordeaux took a turn in 1152 when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who became king of England two years later, as Henry II. The town and the whole area, Aquitaine, thus became part of the vast Plantagenet “empire”, which spread from Scotland to the Pyrenees. Thanks to the commerce of wine, supported by commercial privileges granted by England, Bordeaux became one … Continue reading Bordeaux under the Plantagenets
When we visit Portugal and the United Kingdom today, it seems quite absurd to compare the one with the other: geography, climate, culture, architecture, food… everything looks so different. And yet, if we investigate the history of these two countries, we soon discover that they have formed a long-lasting relationship, now regarded as “the world’s oldest alliance,” which can be traced back to 1147 and … Continue reading England & Portugal: a long-standing alliance
The last time I stayed in London was in September 2019, before the pandemic. I had organized a family weekend around the visit of the William Blake exhibition at Tate Britain. Though I travelled to Scotland twice since then, and went last year to Cambridge via London, I did not have the opportunity to stay a few days in England’s capital again. A few months … Continue reading A summer weekend in London
Since Isaac Newton, Cambridge’s famous scientists have brought many discoveries to the world. Last July, during my two-week programme at Cambridge, I also explored the scientific side of this temple of scholarship. Join me in a stroll around Downing College, and admire with me some of the scientific treasures displayed in four specialized museums, all conveniently located in the same area: the Sedgwick Museum of … Continue reading Scientific Cambridge
In July I enrolled in an international summer programme at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University. I had already participated in such a programme in 2018, before the pandemic, and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to renew that experience one day. As I just got my Master degree at Lorraine University in June, I decided to treat myself with a two-week course … Continue reading A two-week holiday in Cambridge
or a short but intense immersion into “Shakespeareland”! A touristic circus for some, a place of pilgrimage for the Bard’s fans, I found that Stratford was worth the trip, especially for experiencing a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. I invite you to follow me in this memorable journey of discovery. An original edition of the Folio (1623) photographed at the Wren Library, Trinity College, … Continue reading An excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon…
According to Horace Walpole (1717-1797), “Poetry, Painting and Gardening (…) will forever by men of taste be deemed three sisters, or the Three New Graces who dress and adorn nature.” How about exploring the distinctive personalities of England’s gardens and landscapes and their representations in arts in “modern” history? What makes the English countryside and gardens so characteristic within the European scenery? Why and how … Continue reading Three Sisters: Poetry, Painting and Gardening
In May 2014, I decided to explore one of the largest historic areas of England: Yorkshire. I visited its capital, York, and a beautiful Victorian spa town, Harrogate. Then, an English friend introduced me to some of Yorkshire’s natural beauties, the North York Moors National Park, the coast from Whitby to Scarborough, and Nidderdale AONB. Historically a county, Yorkshire corresponds now to the ceremonial counties … Continue reading A trip to Yorkshire
In 2017, I took the opportunity of a one-week intensive language course to discover the West Midlands, a part of England I had never seen before: Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Chester. West Midlands designates both a region of several counties and the county including Birmingham — England’s second most populated city after Greater London. I invite you to join me in this cultural trip, from the … Continue reading A trip to the West-Midlands
The eternal student - anglophile version 