Romantic Régneville

Régneville is a small town with a rich history. The « fours à chaux » in Régneville are disused limestone kilns that date back to the 19th century. The local limestone used to be converted into quicklime and the kilns were powered by coal from Wales. Nowdays, the kilns are used as an amphitheatre to host concerts, ballets and plays during the summer months.
The 18th century lighthouse at Agon Point gives an excellent view of Régneville. The estuary is enclosed by moving sand dunes so it's best to explore this area by foot.
The 14th century remains of Régneville castle can be seen on the journey from Monmartin-sur-mer to Régneville. It survived the 100 years' war only to be blown up by orders of King Louis XIII in 1637.
To take these shots I used a Canon EOS 1DS Mark 3 with Canon zooms 24-70 2.8L and 70–200 2.8 ISL.

Mont-Saint-Michel

After a short stay in England, I spent the rest of August in France. One of the most famous and important monuments in France is the Mont-Saint-Michel. The abbey dates back to the middle ages and mass is still celebrated here every day except Monday. Legend has it, the Archangel Micheal appeared before the bishop Aubert of Avanches and instructed him to build and concecrate a small church here. Before the year one thousand, on the request of the Duke of Normandy, a group of Benedictines settled on the rock. In the 11th and 12th centuries the monastery was built and extended and in the 13th century, the gothic section of the « Merveille » comenced.
Now, this is a commune to around 50 inhabitants and is filled with restaurants, shops and hotels. The famous La Mere Poulard restaurant is situated in one of the most unique places in the world; in the middle of the medieval city of Mont-Saint-Michel.
The tides are an important part of the Mont-Saint-Michel and the water starts to rise two hours before the high tide. Vehicles must be parked on the causeway or in designated areas or they will become quickly submerged in the water.

Mont-Saint-Michel was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979 and has over 3 million visitors each year.

Things to do in Johannesburg

If ever the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2010 is not enough (as if!) there are loads of activities to keep you and your family busy in Johannesburg. Gold Reef City is a theme park near the FNB Stadium ( Soccer City ) that has over 30 thrill rides, restaurants, shops, kiddies corner and even a farmyard to keep all ages entertained. Sun City and Pilanesberg National Park are only a few hours drive north of the city but it would be worth staying a few days and making this a mini break within a South African holiday. Johannesburg Zoo is a good day out to keep kiddies entertained.
Or, visit one of the casinos to try your luck or just take in the beautiful surroundings. Relax in the botanical gardens to get away from the hustle of the city or, if this does not appeal, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs to party the night away. Spend an afternoon in Sandton, the financial and commercial district of South Africa, and home to over 300 leading retailers for ultimate shopping experience. fear of crime has made the gleaming towers of Sandton the business heart of Johannesburg and the old city centre is no longer desirable. yes if you look at statistics, Johannesburg is the violent crime capital of the world but it certainly has plenty to offer and it is up to the traveller to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Krugersdorp game reserve

40 minutes west of Johannesburg is Krugersdorp game reserve where you can see animals such as rhinos, giraffes and antelopes. The lions are kept in an enclosure to separate them from the other animals which would normally be prey in the wild. This provided excellent photographic opportunities without the need to track them as would be the case in the bigger reserves. For anyone visiting Johannesburg, perhaps to see the FIFA World Cup 2010, this reserve provides an ideal taster of being on safari if Kruger or Pilanesburg is too far to travel in the time available. There are lodges and camping sites in the game park for those who wish to extend their stay.

Bush fires are common in South Africa and unfortunately humans are often casualties.

This lone springbok was seen walking among the burnt grass after the flames were extinguished. This bush fire seemed to have transformed the area into an apocalyptic landscape which was amazing to experience.

Pretoria/Tshwane

From the top of the cable car station, Pretoria Zoo can be seen here against the backdrop of the sprawling city skyline. This city gave me the impression that it was more integrated and relaxed than Johannesburg and there is plenty for the discerning traveller to do and see. The National Zoological Gardens is home to Pretoria Zoo, the largest in South Africa and one of the best in the world. The zoo plays an important part in the conservation of endangered animals and is no longer just a home to rare species.
For nature lovers there are plenty of reserves such as Groenkloof, Zwartkop or Onderstepoort. For culture, visit the Transvaal Museum, Cultural History Museum or visit the Voortrekker Monument which is both a reminder of apartheid and a hommage to the Afrikaans pioneers. On Booth Street, south of Pretoria Zoo, is Paul Kruger House Museum which is the last house the ex president stayed before his exile to Europe.
The Union Buildings house the offices of the President of South Africa and it's considered to be the architects greatest achievement. The gardens have been planted with thousands of indigenous plants and is a “must see” when visiting Pretoria. The famous blue train starts it's journey here and Pretoria is also one of the venues of the FIFA World Cup 2010.