Ahh Betty, what a fabulous wander through La Rochelle, I remember the beautiful stone arches, I had no idea why they were built though. Another enticing travelogue - I feel a weekend away on the cards! X
I’m probably dreaming Betty, but its a wonderful dream! Maybe places a little closer to home would be easier? Millau maybe, especially with the 20 year anniversary of the bridge coming shortly? I always think the bridge gets such huge publicity, deservedly of course, but the town that sits below so little. Just thinking out loud! have a good weekend xx
I spent nearly 20 years of my exploration time and energy focusing on Aveyron, focusing a lot on villages, and finally feel Aveyroned-out -- as far as travel and outings, that is, not daily life. You should definitely get to Millau one of these days, though it's a long drive from your parts. It's quite lively in the summer but less bustling than Rodez overall. As all cities that size, there's quite a bit to see.
As you may recall, I lived in La Rochelle for 10 years, so I was really happy to see this post! I wish I had been there with you to show you some other hidden spots. But I'm glad you got to experience my French hometown...I really miss it. I didn't know they were planning to renovate the market, which is a bit of a disappointment. I hope they don't modernize it too much. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
I do remember this now that you mention it, and can see why you miss it. It would have been wonderful to transport you there for a day as my local guide! I'll be interested to hear your take on my next and final La Rochelle post.
I had lost the email with this piece in it, and finally thought about fetching it. I love Le Café de la Paix! And the arcades, and the old market too! La Rochelle is definitely worth a visit!!! Thanks for having documented it so well, even though you regret not having taken a picture of every stand in the market!
Alas I was a bit unorganized on this trip, partly due to the fact that I wasn't alone, as you know. I decided not to mention the presence of family members in the posts, but it did make a difference in the experience -- mainly in good ways of course!
Yay! Thank you so much for this and just in time too (I’m heading there in a few days). I’m so so excited, Betty to check out your recommendations and I’ll keep you posted too. 🤩
Why do people continually want to destroy history, if it ain’t broke…. Here in Melbourne some of our most beautiful buildings are being crowded out by mammoth multi-storey buildings with no style whatsoever.
It's what I try to do every time... but I'm also doing it for myself. It's time for me to get out from under everyday life and really see this country that has been my home for nearly 35 years. Thank you for your comment!
Yes, true, but there are beautifully built modern cafés too, and some great renovation going on despite it all. I do get annoyed when I see places like the Yogurt Factory, however.
It truly just happened along the way. 34 years here, 16 of which I've been a French (and American) citizen...one day I just realized "I'm way more French than American now." The café and restaurant reference was a bit stereotypical, but there is some truth to it. I often feel pressured in the USA to get through meals quickly, be it in restaurants or as a guest in people's homes.
I am SO going to the Café de la Paix if I ever get to La Rochelle. I can't resist a Belle Époque venue.
Yes, I don’t know what I was thinking. I had it on a list of recommendations but didn’t get around to it. Had you heard of it before?
No, never.
Thanks for taking me along!
It’s really a fascinating city. Thanks for reading!
That's a part of France I've never been to before. Thanks for taking me there!
I'd never been to La Rochelle either, although I'd visited Cognac once. There are so many cities calling my name!
Ahh Betty, what a fabulous wander through La Rochelle, I remember the beautiful stone arches, I had no idea why they were built though. Another enticing travelogue - I feel a weekend away on the cards! X
I hope you can get one in! I'm thinking about how to fit in my next trips as the season changes...winter will be a challenge.
I’m probably dreaming Betty, but its a wonderful dream! Maybe places a little closer to home would be easier? Millau maybe, especially with the 20 year anniversary of the bridge coming shortly? I always think the bridge gets such huge publicity, deservedly of course, but the town that sits below so little. Just thinking out loud! have a good weekend xx
I spent nearly 20 years of my exploration time and energy focusing on Aveyron, focusing a lot on villages, and finally feel Aveyroned-out -- as far as travel and outings, that is, not daily life. You should definitely get to Millau one of these days, though it's a long drive from your parts. It's quite lively in the summer but less bustling than Rodez overall. As all cities that size, there's quite a bit to see.
As you may recall, I lived in La Rochelle for 10 years, so I was really happy to see this post! I wish I had been there with you to show you some other hidden spots. But I'm glad you got to experience my French hometown...I really miss it. I didn't know they were planning to renovate the market, which is a bit of a disappointment. I hope they don't modernize it too much. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
I do remember this now that you mention it, and can see why you miss it. It would have been wonderful to transport you there for a day as my local guide! I'll be interested to hear your take on my next and final La Rochelle post.
I had lost the email with this piece in it, and finally thought about fetching it. I love Le Café de la Paix! And the arcades, and the old market too! La Rochelle is definitely worth a visit!!! Thanks for having documented it so well, even though you regret not having taken a picture of every stand in the market!
Alas I was a bit unorganized on this trip, partly due to the fact that I wasn't alone, as you know. I decided not to mention the presence of family members in the posts, but it did make a difference in the experience -- mainly in good ways of course!
How wonderful to wander tgrough those arches, Betty. One for the list!
Thank you for your comment. Arched passageways and streets are not unusual in France, but I'd never seen such a large neighborhood of them.
Yay! Thank you so much for this and just in time too (I’m heading there in a few days). I’m so so excited, Betty to check out your recommendations and I’ll keep you posted too. 🤩
I'm glad to know you read it ! I'll be looking forward to hearing about your stay. Have a great trip!
Why do people continually want to destroy history, if it ain’t broke…. Here in Melbourne some of our most beautiful buildings are being crowded out by mammoth multi-storey buildings with no style whatsoever.
Actually much renovation in France is respectful of history...I just loved the old-fashioned feel of that market, with it hodge-podge of stands.
Betty, this was a beautiful article. You really took us on a tour!
It's what I try to do every time... but I'm also doing it for myself. It's time for me to get out from under everyday life and really see this country that has been my home for nearly 35 years. Thank you for your comment!
Cafe de la Paix looks gorgeous, they’re so beautifully built these old cafes aren’t they compared to the Yoghurt Factories of today!
Yes, true, but there are beautifully built modern cafés too, and some great renovation going on despite it all. I do get annoyed when I see places like the Yogurt Factory, however.
Betty, I support you in your brave transition to achieve total Frenchness!
It truly just happened along the way. 34 years here, 16 of which I've been a French (and American) citizen...one day I just realized "I'm way more French than American now." The café and restaurant reference was a bit stereotypical, but there is some truth to it. I often feel pressured in the USA to get through meals quickly, be it in restaurants or as a guest in people's homes.