Amiens & Rouen, Normandy, France

An easy day-trip by train north of Paris will bring you to the cathedral towns of Amiens and Rouen, the gem of Normandy. Amiens has an attractive pedestrian zone running through the modern downtown, and an interesting, if small, Old Town, but it is the cathedral we have come to see the largest gothic cathedral in France, the land that invented this enduring form. Not only large, but perfect in form with all the standard gothic design you could hope for.
From here we continue by train to nearby Rouen, which has the largest collection of half-timbered medieval buildings in France. Easy to explore on foot, start out from the train station and keep on going through one historic lane after another. Here too you will find a famous cathedral but in this case the town itself is the main attraction, its narrow streets lined with thriving shops and historic monument, including the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Photographed during the Christmas season when tykes are skating in the main square and colorful lights line the shop fronts, this is a special time and place to enjoy.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Amiens & Rouen
• France

[rbalse]

I like your work, Dennis. Great and informative commentary. Good steady shots, slow pans, tilts and zooms. A tripod would be better, but can be a problem when travelling. Have you used a "bagpod" ? (a small bag filled with granular material for use as a camera base on a table or fence-top etc, or to brace against a vertical surface). I look forward to viewing your other videos.

[denniscallan]

@rbalse Hi, thanks for the nice comment. I do try to hold it steady, and this show was shot with a very small camera making for more of a challenge. In recent years I'm using a monopod nearly all the time and find it the perfect solution -- keeps things steady yet doesn't slow me down. I like the Manfroto version with the fluid barrel and tiny legs on the bottom for panning. And I've learned that short, slow smooth moves are the way to go -- otherwise hold it still and let action happen.

[saintsaens21]

Really great footage and commentary! But you should mention Amiens is in Picardy in the title.

[93chevyman1]

very nice work! So well done; part of my heart is still in France :)

[haddock54]

Very well made and informative. I am saving this as my fav as I will be going there next month.

[fleebus090]

whats that grunting demon sound at 1:33?