On our way I happened to notice this building stuck between modern edifices. Certainly not pretty, but easily several hundred years old, and still useful, and inhabited. Hard to imagine such history.
(Click on any picture to enlarge)
Le Lieu Unique
Once a biscuit factory (crowned by a replica of its original tower), the building is now home to dancers and theatrical performances. According to Morgan, the biscuits were originally prepared by a monk for additional income and became so popular they, I guess, "took it public."
Crossing the bridge adjacent to the Lieu Unique one comes upon the city center.
The obelisk is a tribute to Louis XVI. I'm curious as to when it was put up. One suspects he was
out of favor for quite some time after they separated his shoulders and head. Then there was Napolean, et al.
In the left of the picture you can see the spires of the Sainte-Pierre of Nantes cathedral. To its left and closer is the home of the Duke of Brittany (Duc de Britagne).
The castle is walled by a sentry walk of 500 meters (1500 ft) with seven towers. It was built by Duke Francis II and his daughter, Anne of Brittany, to defend the independence of the Duchey then under threat from the French king.
A rampart.
View over the wall at the moat area.
A surprising view upon entering through the gate.
The detail of the craftsmen of the period is absolutely awe-inspiring. Much more of that to come.
The much-married Anne of Britagne. For an interesting view of political marriages, and favorable papal dispensations relative to them, check out Ann of Brittany in Wikipedia.
The moat on exiting the other side of the castle.
Going straight across the street from the castle gate we stopped midway between the castle and the cathedral. Interesting sight. Obviously, since the rulers ruled with the consent of God (Convenient what? Not unlike some of our political partisans in America) the church and the castle were never far apart.
The castle at one end.
The church at the other.
You step out of the narrow street into a large and beautiful square.
And, to your right, the Cathedral of Sainte-Pierre of Nantes.
Begun in 1432, it wasn't finished until the 19th century, but remained archetechurally harmonius.
I need some more adjectives. The only word I can find for the detail of this work is amazing.
The closer you get the more surprising the artisanship.
A tourist.
Tomorrow, work.
Answer: Ennuyeux
Question: What's the french word for boring?
Oh it is going to be a disappointing view when I walk out the front door this morning...
ReplyDeleteI'm going to come back and take another tour later this afternoon. Brilliant, just brilliant.
Looks like a very nice town to spend the next few months of your life.
ReplyDelete