Troyes: Rashi, more rain and the Knights Templar

Today I went to Troyes! For those who don't know/are interested this is in the Champagne region, which is in Northern France close to Germany.

You can tell you are in a different (more German) part of France just by looking at the houses!

Mackie and I went to Troyes to see the European Institute of Rashi. Rashi was a Medieval Jewish scholar who wrote a remarkably famous and influential commentary on the Torah.

 

Unfortunately for us, when we got the to the Institute, there was no one there...and the permanent exhibition entitled "Rashi and the Jews of the Middle Ages" was no where to be found!

There was however this memorial which marks the place where Rashi is believed to be buried.

There was also a remarkable and free exhibition about the Knights Templar who were founded at the conseil de Troyes!

This document was one of the many on display. Most of them granted minor lords protection for their lands after they joined the Knights Templar.

 

 I have stuck this picture of St Bernard of Clairvaux in here because he also lived in Troyes! Bernard of Clairvaux founded the Cistercian Order and was largely responsible for preaching the Second Crusade.

 

Here is a memorial to the First Indochina War! As in, before the Vietnam War. You don't hear of that one much!

 

And here is Mackie being pious in the Cathedral. First one I have seen which supplied scarfs. Unfortunately my pictures didn't turn out because all of the bright lights :( But suffice to say, it was very beautiful!

Tomorrow we are going to the Lascoux Caves, where they have 15,000 year old cave drawings. However, I am feeling very anxious about the fact I have to drive there - on the wrong side of the road!!!

Until next time!