Monday, August 31, 2015

Beaucoup Bonnes Journees! Many Good Days!


Finally some words and photos of our road trips. Four or five days a week, we go on excursions. These journeys have ranged from as short as 10 kilometers to as far as an hour and a half away. Closer to Le Thou, we've explored a bird refuge, relaxed beside a lake at a community park, picnicked at the beach, and strolled the centers of our neighboring towns. Our longer drives have taken us to noted destinations such as Cognac and hidden gems like the canals of the Marais Poitevin.

A few days ago, I asked Mike about his favorite experiences. We both agreed that the museum we liked best was the Corderie Royale in Rochefort. Located in the former naval rope-making facility, it is devoted to helping visitors understand the important role rope plays on board ship. Their exhibits are very effective at explaining difficult concepts. In addition, a temporary exhibit utilizing the art and storylines of graphic novels did a great job engaging visitors to think about the challenges and lives of seafarers.

My favorite small town was the historic village of Brouage. With its original fortifications in tact, it is easy to see the advantages of its walled protection. The community was the home town of Samuel de Champlain and it celebrates its connections to the New World. Walking the citadel, taking in the landscape beyond, and imagining the place in its heyday were most satisfying for me.

Finally, we were totally fascinated by the city of Saintes. About an hour to our south, it has been an important urban center since Roman times. Architectural and archaeological evidence of its substantial history can be seen throughout the city. We especially enjoyed an informative tour of the Roman amphitheater and the crypt of Saint Eutrope below the church by the same name. Situated on the banks of the Charente River, the city makes good use of its water-front advantage with walking and bike paths, boat docks, parks and recreational activities. We stopped to hear an impromptu brass quartet as we wandered along the banks. Medieval alleyways and lanes dominate the city's center and offer a pedestrian "mall" lined with shops, dining, and services.

There were many other lovely day-trips including a boat ride to the small island of Ile d'Aix, an oasis with few cars easily explored by foot. Throughout the region, we toured Romanesque churches, visited the remains of century-old abbeys, strolled rural villages, and marveled at the unique features around us such as oyster and mussel cultivation, salt harvesting, and the seasonal transition of the sunflower fields from seas of gold to fields of withered stalks. We made several new friends and shared good times together.

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