SAINT-BENOIT du Sault.....

.... has been called 'the most beautiful village in France'.

I'm sure there are many beautiful villages in France, but this one is certainly worth a visit. Situated in the south of the Centre region, near the borders with Limousin and Poitou-Charentes, the village owes its origins to the benedictine monks who established themselves in the area around the 10th century, having chosen the site on a raised rocky outcrop because of its defensive advantage.

The village of today, with its pretty, narrow streets of medieval houses, dates from the 15th-16th century. The centre of the town is set around the Church, priory and fort, and was protected by a stone wall around its perimeter.

Richard and our fantastic host, Frankie, admire the roses.

More Belgium - ANTWERP

The city of Antwerp is the second largest in Belgium and surely a shopping mecca for all of Europe, hence the countless clothing, perfume, jewellery, shoe and handbag stores in the city centre.

Lovely shops selling quality merchandise - although not to me; I had to keep in mind those weight limits on luggage...lol. However, we were more than compensated by the many beautiful buildings.

Meir Street

Antwerp Railway Station - exterior...

.... and interior

More beautiful buildings

An up-market shopping mall - goldleaf and all.

Antwerp Cathedral

Peter Paul Rubens - Antwerp's most famous son.

Two more cathedral photos.....however this beautiful building deserves a posting of its own.

An organ grinder....I think the monkey took the photo...lol.