Russia 2006 Journey Day Three
Montpellier, France
                              [16 July, 2006] After a brief stop for Orangina and fresh baguettes, the day was a classic beach day.  The blue skies and 
                              hot temperatures dictated the only choice.  The evening allowed a quick visit to Beziers.  The city was the starting point for the
                              stage 13 of the Tour de France - completed the day before.  All of the colorful banners crossing the streets were still in place.
 
 
                              The Spanish influence is quite apparent - right down to the bullfight arena.  However, the French engineering is the show due
                              to the Midi Canal.  The canal was built in the mid/late 1600s and allowed barges to go from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
                              ocean.  (Think Mobile, AL, to Savannah, GA).  Beziers is home to two interesting legs of the canal - a 9 lock and dam system
                              and a water bridge.  The water bridge was built in classic stone style with hundreds of small columns and spans a main 
                              river.  Also, if you are an EPCOT French pavilion fan, you'll recognize the Canal du Midi as the opening scene of the movie
                              "Impressions d' France".
              
         
 
 
                                         
 
                                
                        
 
Lobby Return                                                      Created with Fusion 8.0     Last Updated on July 16,  2006, CE