The Roof of France By: Matilda Betham-Edwards (1836-1919)
The Roof of France by Matilda Betham-Edwards is an intriguing travel memoir that takes readers on a journey through the hidden gems and charming landscapes of the French Pyrenees. Delving deep into the author's personal experiences and observations, this book offers a captivating glimpse into a lesser-known region of France. Betham-Edwards' writing style is both descriptive and poetic, effortlessly painting vivid pictures of the picturesque mountains, lush valleys, and quaint villages that she encounters along her expedition. Her attention to detail is astounding, allowing readers to feel as though they are right there with her, exploring the serene landscapes and immersing themselves in the rich culture and history of the Pyrenees. Furthermore, The Roof of France goes beyond a mere travelogue, as Betham-Edwards seamlessly weaves in historical anecdotes and cultural insights, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the region's past and present. Her passion for the Pyrenees shines through every page, making it evident that she has a deep appreciation for the land and its people. One aspect that truly stands out in this memoir is the author's willingness to step off the beaten path and venture into remote areas not commonly explored by tourists. Her determination to uncover hidden treasures and share them with her readers creates a sense of adventure and excitement throughout the narrative. From stumbling upon ancient monasteries to discovering remarkable natural wonders, Betham-Edwards takes readers on an unforgettable journey filled with surprises and discoveries. However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the detailed descriptions and historical background information can become overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain a continuous flow of the narrative. Additionally, some readers might find the extensive focus on certain aspects of the Pyrenees, such as religious sites and agriculture, less engaging. Despite these minor drawbacks, The Roof of France is an enchanting book that offers a refreshing and immersive experience for lovers of travel literature. Matilda Betham-Edwards' passion, knowledge, and genuine curiosity shine through every page, making this memoir a compelling read. Whether you have a deep fascination for the Pyrenees or simply enjoy armchair traveling to less explored regions, The Roof of France will undoubtedly captivate and inspire you to embark on your own adventure in this spectacular part of the world. First Page: THE ROOF OF FRANCE OR THE CAUSSES OF THE LOZÈRE BY M. BETHAM EDWARDS To M. SADI CARNOT. THIS VOLUME, THE THIRD OF MY PUBLISHED TRAVELS IN FRANCE, IS INSCRIBED WITH ALL RESPECT TO HER HONOURED PRESIDENT. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY PART I. MY FIRST JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF THE CAUSSES . CHAP. I. FROM LE PUY TO MENDE II. MENDE III. A GLIMPSE OF THE CAUSSES IV. ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF V. RODEZ AND AURILLAC VI. THE LAND OF THE BURON PART II. MY SECOND JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF THE CAUSSES. I. THROUGH THE MORVAN II. THROUGH THE MORVAN ( continued ) III. FROM LYONS TO AVIGNON BY THE RHÔNE IV. AVIGNON AND ORANGE V. LE VIGAN VI. NANT (AVEYRON) VII. MILLAU (AVEYRON) VIII. FROM MENDE TO ST. ÉNIMIE IX. ST. ÉNIMIE X. THE CAÑON OF THE TARN XI. SHOOTING THE RAPIDS XII. LE ROZIER XIII. MONTPELLIER LE VIEUX XIV. MONTPELLIER LE VIEUX ( continued ) XV. LE ROZIER TO MILLAU AND RODEZ XVI. RODEZ, VIC SUR CÈRE REVISITED. A BREAKFAST ON THE BANKS OF THE SAÔNE INTRODUCTORY. It is upon this occasion my rare and happy privilege to introduce the reader to something absolutely new. How many English speaking tourists have found their way to the Roof of France in other words, the ancient Gévaudan, the romantic department of the Lozère? How many English or for the matter of that French travellers either have so much as heard of the Causses, [Footnote: From calx, lime] those lofty tablelands of limestone, groups of a veritable archipelago, once an integral whole, now cleft asunder, forming the most picturesque gorges and magnificent defiles; offering contrasts of scenery as striking as they are sublime, and a phenomenon unique in geological history? On the plateau of the typical Causse, wide in extent as Dartmoor, lofty as Helvellyn, we realize all the sombreness and solitude of the Russian steppe... Continue reading book >>

The Roof of France By: Matilda Betham-Edwards (1836-1919)

The Roof of France by Matilda Betham-Edwards is an intriguing travel memoir that takes readers on a journey through the hidden gems and charming landscapes of the French Pyrenees. Delving deep into the author's personal experiences and observations, this book offers a captivating glimpse into a lesser-known region of France.

Betham-Edwards' writing style is both descriptive and poetic, effortlessly painting vivid pictures of the picturesque mountains, lush valleys, and quaint villages that she encounters along her expedition. Her attention to detail is astounding, allowing readers to feel as though they are right there with her, exploring the serene landscapes and immersing themselves in the rich culture and history of the Pyrenees.

Furthermore, The Roof of France goes beyond a mere travelogue, as Betham-Edwards seamlessly weaves in historical anecdotes and cultural insights, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the region's past and present. Her passion for the Pyrenees shines through every page, making it evident that she has a deep appreciation for the land and its people.

One aspect that truly stands out in this memoir is the author's willingness to step off the beaten path and venture into remote areas not commonly explored by tourists. Her determination to uncover hidden treasures and share them with her readers creates a sense of adventure and excitement throughout the narrative. From stumbling upon ancient monasteries to discovering remarkable natural wonders, Betham-Edwards takes readers on an unforgettable journey filled with surprises and discoveries.

However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the detailed descriptions and historical background information can become overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain a continuous flow of the narrative. Additionally, some readers might find the extensive focus on certain aspects of the Pyrenees, such as religious sites and agriculture, less engaging.

Despite these minor drawbacks, The Roof of France is an enchanting book that offers a refreshing and immersive experience for lovers of travel literature. Matilda Betham-Edwards' passion, knowledge, and genuine curiosity shine through every page, making this memoir a compelling read. Whether you have a deep fascination for the Pyrenees or simply enjoy armchair traveling to less explored regions, The Roof of France will undoubtedly captivate and inspire you to embark on your own adventure in this spectacular part of the world.

First Page:

THE ROOF OF FRANCE

THE CAUSSES OF THE LOZÈRE

M. BETHAM EDWARDS

To M. SADI CARNOT.

THIS VOLUME, THE THIRD OF MY PUBLISHED TRAVELS IN FRANCE, IS INSCRIBED WITH ALL RESPECT TO HER HONOURED PRESIDENT.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTORY

PART I.

MY FIRST JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF THE CAUSSES .

CHAP.

I. FROM LE PUY TO MENDE II. MENDE III. A GLIMPSE OF THE CAUSSES IV. ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF V. RODEZ AND AURILLAC VI. THE LAND OF THE BURON

PART II.

MY SECOND JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF THE CAUSSES.

I. THROUGH THE MORVAN II. THROUGH THE MORVAN ( continued ) III. FROM LYONS TO AVIGNON BY THE RHÔNE IV. AVIGNON AND ORANGE V. LE VIGAN VI. NANT (AVEYRON) VII. MILLAU (AVEYRON) VIII. FROM MENDE TO ST. ÉNIMIE IX. ST. ÉNIMIE X. THE CAÑON OF THE TARN XI. SHOOTING THE RAPIDS XII. LE ROZIER XIII. MONTPELLIER LE VIEUX XIV. MONTPELLIER LE VIEUX ( continued ) XV. LE ROZIER TO MILLAU AND RODEZ XVI. RODEZ, VIC SUR CÈRE REVISITED. A BREAKFAST ON THE BANKS OF THE SAÔNE

INTRODUCTORY.

It is upon this occasion my rare and happy privilege to introduce the reader to something absolutely new. How many English speaking tourists have found their way to the Roof of France in other words, the ancient Gévaudan, the romantic department of the Lozère? How many English or for the matter of that French travellers either have so much as heard of the Causses, [Footnote: From calx, lime] those lofty tablelands of limestone, groups of a veritable archipelago, once an integral whole, now cleft asunder, forming the most picturesque gorges and magnificent defiles; offering contrasts of scenery as striking as they are sublime, and a phenomenon unique in geological history? On the plateau of the typical Causse, wide in extent as Dartmoor, lofty as Helvellyn, we realize all the sombreness and solitude of the Russian steppe... Continue reading book >>

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