After the wedding festivities ended on Sunday, we said our goodbyes and began the drive to Basel, Switzerland to visit Clare’s niece, Taraneh. On the way, we stopped in Besançon, a French city on a meander of the Doubs River. Upon reaching the inner city, we drove by huge limestone cliffs supporting the outer walls of the Citadel, a 17th century fort and UNESCO World Heritage site.

We drove carefully through the Roman gate leading up to the cathedral and Citadel.

We wanted to see the 19th century astronomical clock that is in St. Jean cathedral, but the next tour time was too late for us. But we were able to see the cathedral, which has an alter at both ends.

We stayed in a room in a former convent for the wedding weekend! Our room had twin beds and a bathroom, others were not so lucky. When we arrived at the convent, we had just enough time to rinse off from our adventures and put on nice clothes for the ceremony.

The ceremony was outside in a grove of tall trees and was coordinated largely by Aurélie, sister of the bride. First the parents of the groom sang and spoke Mickaël’s favorite song, with the words changed for the occasion. Next Audrey’s parents talked about her, with her travels all over the world including friends who were at the ceremony (we were mentioned).

They explained the theme of the celebration; they chose the gingko because it represents one of the oldest trees still living today, a symbol of lifespan and endurance. Pairs of friends then talked about each season, linking Audrey and Mickaël’s lives. Everything was beautiful, so much love shared with family and friends.

Next the drinking and dancing. Later (starting around 10 pm) we had dinner, all 200 of us in the convent hall. The organization of the tables was thoughtful and efficient. Each person found their name on a paper with a type of plant. Then they find that plant at the end of their table, and sit anywhere they want at that table. Save the napkins for your next meal, ensuring you get your own back by putting it into the wooden ring with your name on it, then toss it into the basket at the end of the table.

The next morning friends and family made crépes for everyone. In the afternoon, some went on a short hike to see the view.

Then, many went to the bride and groom’s new old farmhouse. Audrey has already planted much food-producing vegetation.

The building was constructed in the late 1700s and has been unoccupied since the 1960s. We wandered around their property, a lot of space in buildings and in land area, but a lot of work will be needed before they can live in the old house.

While we were there, clouds accumulated. The resulting storm sent everyone either back to their cars or into one of the buildings to wait it out.

That evening’s party featured pizza fresh from a wood oven. Delicious!

Then the karaoke began!

More people pictures

We, Brian and Clare, took a side trip in the mountains during the day Friday, between wedding ceremonies. We’ve never seen so much limestone! Beautiful area.

First, we found the dinosaur footprint site that Brian had discovered on the internet before we came to France.

The age of the tracks at this site is close to the Jurassic side of Dinosaur Ridge, where Clare worked for 10 years. The interpretation is quite different. Here, they believe that each trackway (for an individual animal) was made between high daily tides rather than high monthly tides, as at the Cretaceous side of the Ridge. The area where the footprints are appears to have been a limestone quarry.

Before we actually found the footprints, we were misled into a lovely walk through the adjacent forest.

Next, we tried to find some of the waterfalls (cascades in French), that make the Jura area famous. First, Cascade de la Billaude.

Next, Cascades et gorge de la Langouette.

Than the most famous, Cascades du Hérisson. Our friends later explained to us that the cascades were not as full this year due to lack of rain and snow.

We did not see all the separate waterfalls at Hérisson – we were running out of time and needed lunch. But, it was worth seeking it out.

Then crêpes for lunch! From a street vendor in the town of Cogna.

Our friends brought us to their daughter Audrey’s house, where many family members and close friends were gathered. They had rented another house close by for nine of them to sleep.

The houses are on top of a limestone plateau adjacent to a small church and cemetery.

I love how French people mix old and new, hanging laundry next to a centuries-old building.

Later that evening we went out to dinner at an Indian restaurant in Lons-le-Saunier. Twenty three people!

The next morning was the official marriage ceremony, the civil part. Only about 30 people came. Very special. Hêlene whispered some translation for us. The mayor and the town clerk officiated the ceremony. The mayor knows the bride and groom well, so he told many stories. The clerk recited the official responsibilities that the new couple were accepting by getting married. Hêlene said most of the couples nodded, realizing that the responsibilities had not changed since they were married. The clerk gave the couple a book with their names, the date and an official seal of marriage. Hêlene explained that every family in France has a book like that.