Snappy Marty

My perceptions of the architecture in Paris has always been appreciating the juxtaposition of the new, like this building for the Summer 2024 Olympics

& the old & very old.

After Paris we spent time in La Vallée de la Drôme & Saoû where there are many examples of medieval buildings or ruins. In villages one can spot lintels, above active home doorways, inscribed with years from the 16th & 17th centuries. Another distinctive architectural feature noted in Paris &, especially in the rural villages, were arches.

Getting ready for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

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We had lunch at this Tunisian restaurant.

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Centre national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou, also known as the Pompidou Centre.

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Louis Vuitton Maison Champs-Élysées store.

Surprise on our walk to the upscale Monceau district.

This book was recommended by two friends & was the impetus for walking about 8 miles, through fascinating neighborhoods, to find our way to…

… 81 Rue de Monceau, Hôtel Ephrussi, a major character in the book.

I got to peek into an open window where a meeting was being held.

Otherwise, the building was no longer open to the public.

Edmund de Wall mentioned the house of the Ephrussis’ friends the Camondos, ten houses down the block.

“Upon the death of Moïse de Camondo in 1935, it was announced that both the house and its collections were bequeathed to Les Arts Décoratifs in honour of his son, Nissim de Camondo, who had been killed in action during World War I.[3] The house opened as a museum in 1936.”

Le Musee Comte Moïse de Camondo.

Every adult in the ca. 1911 house had their own carriage & horses. Hence, all the stable entrances.

Le Musee Comte Moïse de Camondo.

"…a spectacular collection of French decorative art from the second half of the 18th century.”

Le Musee Comte Moïse de Camondo.

Some other Monceau District mansions as seen from from Le Parc Monceau.

Ca. 1722 Palais Bourbon; the meeting place of the National Assembly.

Hôtel de l'Abbaye where we stayed. Ca. 1659 it was originally built for Benedictine Sisters. Original walls have been incorporated in the 20th century structure.

San Michel les Valence.

Saoû.

Outskirts of Saoû.

Approaching Montélimar.

Mentioned as early as the 11th century, the Château de Montélimar.

Montélimar.

SOYANS: UN VILLAGE PERCHÉ AVEC LE VEUX VILLAGE ET LE CHATEAU - site médiéval.

SOYANS: A HILLTOP VILLAGE WITH THE VEUX VILLAGE AND THE CASTLE - medieval site.

Soyans.

Soyans, the old village.

Saoû.

Autichamp en Drôme Provençale.

Marsanne en Drôme Provençale.

We headed to Miramode because it “ …ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France

Mirmande, the jewel of the Drôme Valley, can be discovered by strolling through its many picturesque medieval streets.”

Miramande -Village classé. That’s what the signpost says as one entered the village.

'“Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (meaning ‘the most beautiful villages of France’) is an independent association created in 1982 for the promotion of the tourist appeal of small rural villages with a rich cultural heritage.” “illage classé” means the village has at least two heritage sites.

Extinction Eclairage Public Prudence means Extinguishing Public Lighting Caution.

This is common now as France is cutting down on light pollution. Looking up at the stars in Saoû was exquisite.

Miramande -Village classé.

Chabrillan. en Drôme Provençale.

La Roche Colombe et Tois Becs in the distance.

Saoû is there in the shadow of La Roche Colombe.

Chabrillan. en Drôme Provençale.

Cobonne, a village with “…medieval battlements ... vaulted passages...”

Cobonne.

Cobonne’s gate. Hot oil would be poured down in the enemy made it thru the 1st gate.

Cobonne’s gate where hot oil could be poured down on an enemy.

Montclar sur- Gervanne.

The 12th century Romanesque Saint-Marcel church.

St. Marcel - Montclar sur- Gervanne.

Interior architecture of La Fontaine Minerale Cafe Restaruan, Saoû where we had a three hour lunch. More on that in a blog on food.

La Fontaine Minerale Cafe Restaruant - 3 hour lunch., Saoû.

Les Clos du Val de Drôme - Residence Senior - A repurposed silk factory.

Former Markus Brewery, Saoû.

Available for purchase.

Church Saint-Sauveur ca. 1842-6, Crest.

Tour de Crest ca. 10th-14th centuries.

“One of the highest keeps donjon in Europe, if not the highest (52 metres/171 feet).”

Yes, we climbed to the top.

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