Mon Quartier (My Neighbourhood)

In the past five years I've spent much of my time traveling and living on the road but during 2013 I decided to spend some more time in one place, the better to work on my art. The city of Nantes is one of the larger cities in France, with a long and significant history. For me, part of everyday here is dedicated to walking. Although there are several lovely wild rivers including the Loire that flow through Nantes, and the seacoast is near, I'd like to share a decidedly urban walk today. I love the study of architecture and there is an abundance of medieval buildings in the centre ville where I live. In fact the Gothic cathedral is practically outside my door and the chateau of the Dukes of Bretagne (Brittany) is a mere block away. My own apartment is an add on that abuts a medieval convent on an enclosed courtyard. In fact there is so much to see that I can only begin to touch on in this post...This is just a taste...

View of my neighbourhood and the Gothic cathedral of Saints Pierre and Paul, seen from the chateau ramparts.

Medieval era carving on the facade of a half timbered and slate shingled building, now a popular cafe and restaurant.

Entry to a medieval era cellar on a cobbled side street.

Part of the roof line of the chateau of the dukes of Bretagne (Brittany) viewed from the ramparts.

An ancient house and former food shop.

There are many fascinating doors and blue is the ubiquitous trim colour in France.

The next block from where I live: a clever public bike rental system in front of narrow medieval buildings.

Another ancient stone structure and once again, blue is the colour of choice.

Beautiful half timbered buildings on a cobbled side street.

Aerial view from the castle ramparts looking toward the towers of St. Croix and St. Nicolas Basilica.

A former stable with a heraldic pediment and a yellow ceramic cat on the roof.

 Medieval buildings with newer facades reflect in the window of an artist's studio.

Aviary in the botanical garden.

Behind the cathedral, part of the old city wall and the medieval La Psallette building and park.

Part of the chateau roof line.

Spires on the cathedral heights.

Heraldic emblem on the chateau of the Dukes of Bretagne.

Nantes seldom has more than one or two light snowfalls per winter, so the beauty is especially precious.

Behind the Jardin des plantes botanical garden.

A view of part of the chateau complex seen from the park behind the cathedral.

Medieval frontage on a side street.

A multi point star motif carved in stone on the Gothic cathedral's facade.

A jumble of roof lines seen from the street.

A Walk in Nantes: July 24, 2012

angel fresco in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Nantes, France

Walking is something I do a lot of, wherever I may find myself. Not only does it get me where I need to go in a guilt free, non polluting manner, the route provides an endless stream of beautiful and fascinating things to observe and is a calming form of moving meditation. Whenever I feel agitated my daily walks pacify me and help to put my life in perspective. Most of all I love to share the things I observe along the way, mainly recording impressions through photos. 

On this particular sunny day in late July my first stop was the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, a small Gothic edifice tucked into a cobbled side street nearby. The interior provides views of  fresco fragments, decorative wall treatments in various states of decay, small carvings tucked up high in the arches and a glimpse down through a window in the floor to a late medieval tomb crypt.

late afternoon sun throws stained glass colours on the floor tiles

and on a rather graceless, over life size and badly eroded Virgin trampling a serpent underfoot

so many centuries of change have left their mark, however fragmented

carved wall panels with biblical scenes

a detail view of purgatory from a large painting

a fresco wall inscription

a carved stone figure curls in a corner, high up among the arches

a neglected side chapel with lovely, decaying decorative painting

chapel detail

 a memorial with winged vanitas skull

a niche behind the altar bears the scar of a sculpture base

close up of a stone dragon on high

another side chapel with lovely gold stars across the vault of blue "heaven"

the base of an ornately carved pulpit

votive plaques offered in gratitude for answered prayers

another empty sculpture niche among votive offerings

view of a side chapel and the main altar to the left

another memorial and reminder of mortality

on my way out I spotted this charming fox-like creature at the termination of an arch high on the wall

 on a back street--- for me this image tells a story that changes each time I look

I like to take a back route to the Jardin des Plantes and this flowered summer dress drying on a tiny balcony caught my eye...
Arriving at the Jardin was a complete change of gears--from frozen stone and death's heads to young animals and the warmth of hundreds of miniature suns sharing their bounty with a full court of bees in attendance...

coot chick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

carnivorous pitcher plants in the afternoon sun

turtles soaking up the sun

a fairy waterfall in the Jardin des Plantes