Varenna - Italy

There's no better way to start a year than travelling somewhere. I bet Ara agrees with me. Last January she traveled to Italy. 

Varenna is an attractive village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, looking over the central part of the lake towards Bellagio. Varenna's picturesque lanes and old fishermen's houses are unpretentiously appealing, and some visitors prefer the town to its grander neighbours. Although Varenna is a tourist destination, and its pretty waterfront and tiny stone beach fill up with holidaymakers, it has somehow a more authentic air than the other hotel-packed resorts. The main tourist activities in Varenna are relaxing by the lake, and visiting the gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.

Varenna is a useful gateway to Lake Como, as it lies on a railway line with direct trains to Milan, and is connected to the other lake resorts by regular car and passenger ferries. - in: http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/lombardy/varenna.html

Limoges Cathedral - France

I've added this card to my favorites wall just a few days ago and now, thanks to Damien, is already in my collection. Love it!! 

Editions RENE

Limoges Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Limoges) is a Roman Catholic church located in Limoges, France. It is a national monument and the seat of the Bishop of Limoges.

The construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1273 and finished only in 1888 when the nave was connected to the belltower. It is noted for its Renaissance rood loft built in 1534 and for the fine, partly octagonal, bell tower. - in: wikipedia

FR-813018

Côte-d'Or is a department in the eastern part of France. Some of the major tourist attractions in the department are castles. These are some of them. 

M.G. Editions

FR-813018, sent by Yannick

Castles on the card: Bussy-Rabutin; Époisses; Flavigny; Savigny-lès-Beaune; La Rochepot; Butte de Thil; Châteauneuf-en-Auxois; Dijon and Semur-en-Auxois. 

Fourvière Basilica, Lyon - France

At first glance it may not look like it but these postcards are both showing the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière in Lyon.

The first postcard was sent by Valérie in 2013 and the second by Margarida who sent me, a little while ago, an envelope with postcards from her last trips.

Editions André

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon. It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1884 in a dominating position in the city. 

Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who saved the city of Lyon from a cholera epidemic sweeping Europe in 1823.

During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1), Prussian forces, having taken Paris, were progressing south towards Lyon. Their halt and retreat were, once again, attributed by the Church to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

Perched on top of the Fourvière hill, the basilica looms impressively over the city of Lyon, from where it can be seen from many vantage points; not unintentionally, the basilica of Fourvière has become a symbol of the city.

The design of the basilica, by Pierre Bossan, draws from both Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, two non-Gothic models that were unusual choices at the time. It has four main towers, and a belltower topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. It features fine mosaics, superb stained glass,[3] and a crypt of Saint Joseph.

Fourvière actually contains two churches, one on top of the other. The upper sanctuary is very ornate, while the lower is a much simpler design. Work on the triumphant basilica was begun in 1872 and finished in 1884. Finishing touches in the interior were not completed until 1964. - in: wikipedia

Lyon's Cathedral - France

At this moment I only think about my holidays, when to go, where, with whom! I've a few plans, checked flight prices, trains, buses, tours ... anyway, everything is possible.

Paula and Leninha didn't take too long to decide where to spend a weekend last month. Lyon was their choice. They were not happy with the postcards they saw, nor with the prices but still, they sent some postcards to some postcrossing friends. 

In 2013 Tiago also sent a postcard from there and in 2006 I did not see any cathedral cards there but one of my pictures became a postcard a few years later.

Editions André

 The Cathédrale St-Jean was built over the course of several centuries, from about 1165 to 1480. The apse and choir is Romanesque, while the nave and facade are Gothic.
Church councils were held in Lyon Cathedral in 1245 and 1274. It also hosted a Renaissance wedding: in 1600, King Henry IV married Marie de Medici (whom he had just met) in the cathedral.
The medieval exterior of the Cathédrale St-Jean has a solid and solemn appearance. The oldest part is the east end, which was mostly completed by the end of the 12th century; the apse is considered a masterpiece of Lyonnais Romanesque architecture.

 M. G. Editions

The Gothic nave with flying buttresses was built in the 13th century and the west facade is a Rayonnant Gothic work of the 14th century. The portals bear medallions depicting the Zodiac, Creation and the Life of St. John.

Inside, highlights include 13th-century stained glass windows in the choir and beautiful window tracery and vaulting in the side chapels. Especially notable among the latter is the Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of the Bourbons.

Probably the most unique and interesting feature of Lyon's cathedral is the 14th-century astronomical clock in the north transept. A marvel of technology and beauty, it chimes at 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm while a rooster crows and angels herald. - in: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/lyon-cathedral-st-jean

Photo: Marta Cairrão

When I visited Lyon in 2006, I've bought lots of cards but i didn't find a single one of this cathedral. I love religious temples cards, so I had to create a touchnote card using one of the pictures I took there.

Angoulême - France

I really like street art and it is probably a nice idea to start a street art cards collection. I'll think about that.

The southwestern French town of Angoulême is named a street art capital with it’s more than 20 commissioned murals. 

Editions RENE

Damien sent me this card with the mural, Le Jardin Extraordinaire  (The Extraordinary Garden), painted by Florence Cestac in 2001. 

Viana do Castelo - Portugal

Viana do Castelo is a lovely city in northern Portugal. On this card sent by Inês is possible to see some of the city's attractions. 

www.edigpostal.com

Situated at the mouth of the Lima river, between the ocean and the mountains, the charming city of Viana do Castelo is steeped in tradition. Historically, the city was a crucial point of departure during the Age of Discovery, when many Portuguese explorers embarked to discover the unknown world.

Today, Viana do Castelo is a lively fishing port, renowned for its compelling architecture, featuring Manueline and Renaissance influences as well as innovative contemporary design. Below the hills of Santa Luzia, the narrow, winding streets are lined with beautiful palaces and houses constructed over the centuries. Visitors will also enjoy the beautiful Cabedelo beach across the Lima estuary. - in: http://www.portugal-live.net/UK/places/viana-do-castelo.html