Thank you Susie! I'm actually posting every 9/10 days for now. I know it's not conventional wisdom, but it is what works best for me.
I'm excited you're going to Cahors! Would love to hear what you do...
Indeed, in Saint-Flour basalt is extremely prominent. You see it in some villages around there, but the major edifices built out of it were quite impressive.
I don't blame you for writing a little less often Betty, it is quite a time consuming occupation and I know, certainly in my case, I don't always feel the spark of creative inspiration when I do have time!
I doubt I will see too much of the town, we are meeting at a friends house for a meal and a get together, it is more likely to be a quick drive through....
I also need to organize my posts around my trips...I'm not sure how logistically I am going to keep this project up but I plan to somehow! It will mean some changes in work patterns for sure. But I'm determined.
Yes Betty - for Susie, but no sweat - all in the public domain. Slept in a camper late one night at Cahors. My fellow traveller said "Pity we don't have time to stick around a while, maybe on the return trip" Susie had reminded me ! So, Finally, after a short break of 42 years, I'm prepping for the return.... Cycling from Nederland to the Pyrenees, and writing about it.
I had heard of Saint-Flour, but knew nothing about it! Now I want to see what else there is to know about this intriguing grey city. As usual. Terrific writing and photos! I especially like the photo of the quaint street with the old row houses.
It's visible from the A75 and we've often said we should check it out...someday. Now someday has come, thanks to this project, and it was another great experience. I know Clermont-Ferrand also has a grey cathedral, and that's another place I've never been, unless you count the train station. However, it's not a "petite ou moyenne ville."
Yes, I agree grey was rather fashionable recently in French interiors-- now it's more olive green, mustard yellow and purple! In Saint-Flour, they used the stone they had on hand. I do like the way businesses and the city play on it.
Hi Betty, during the 70's I collected volcanic rocks to cut, polish and set in Silver. I drifted for 13 years across Germany and France selling my wares wherever I woke up. My favourite places all looked like your Downtown photo. Even back then I found many small towns almost deserted. I miss France and am now planning a long slow trip from Nederland to the Pyrenees, writing about it as I drift again, whilst looking to buy a remote corner.....
I commented on notes but didn't mention the volcanic rock sales. Sounds like an interesting time. There was definitely a volcanic rock vibe going on in Saint-Flour -- it surprised me.
Have you seen it? It's not huge, but has a special balance. I was quite charmed. In a future post, I'll be giving some very interesting modern info about it.
I just want to visit Saint Flour now thanks to you, Betty! The grey palette is so chic and versatile, this 'petite ville' is really charming. And I guess the food is great too. Yes, please, tell us more about this jewel.
I’ve always loved the way these rural French towns use and subsequently blend so well with the local stone..
I’ve never visited St-Flour but your description is enticing… I’m looking forward to next weeks post immensely..!
PS - tomorrow I’m off to Cahors to meet friends for the day…! X
Thank you Susie! I'm actually posting every 9/10 days for now. I know it's not conventional wisdom, but it is what works best for me.
I'm excited you're going to Cahors! Would love to hear what you do...
Indeed, in Saint-Flour basalt is extremely prominent. You see it in some villages around there, but the major edifices built out of it were quite impressive.
I don't blame you for writing a little less often Betty, it is quite a time consuming occupation and I know, certainly in my case, I don't always feel the spark of creative inspiration when I do have time!
I doubt I will see too much of the town, we are meeting at a friends house for a meal and a get together, it is more likely to be a quick drive through....
I also need to organize my posts around my trips...I'm not sure how logistically I am going to keep this project up but I plan to somehow! It will mean some changes in work patterns for sure. But I'm determined.
Will you write about Cahors ?
I think you were writing to @Susie Mawhinney, but you do know I wrote 4 posts about it? Have you been there?
Yes Betty - for Susie, but no sweat - all in the public domain. Slept in a camper late one night at Cahors. My fellow traveller said "Pity we don't have time to stick around a while, maybe on the return trip" Susie had reminded me ! So, Finally, after a short break of 42 years, I'm prepping for the return.... Cycling from Nederland to the Pyrenees, and writing about it.
What a great project! Will you be writing about it on Substack?
Absolutely, as one of three threads in a second stack. Currently busy setting it up alongside this one.
Keep me posted!
Probably not this time, I don't think we will spend more time appreciating good food !
I had heard of Saint-Flour, but knew nothing about it! Now I want to see what else there is to know about this intriguing grey city. As usual. Terrific writing and photos! I especially like the photo of the quaint street with the old row houses.
It's visible from the A75 and we've often said we should check it out...someday. Now someday has come, thanks to this project, and it was another great experience. I know Clermont-Ferrand also has a grey cathedral, and that's another place I've never been, unless you count the train station. However, it's not a "petite ou moyenne ville."
Interesting that about the grey, it’s part of the fabric of French interiors I always think! Beautiful place, look forward to the in-depth article.
Yes, I agree grey was rather fashionable recently in French interiors-- now it's more olive green, mustard yellow and purple! In Saint-Flour, they used the stone they had on hand. I do like the way businesses and the city play on it.
Hi Betty, during the 70's I collected volcanic rocks to cut, polish and set in Silver. I drifted for 13 years across Germany and France selling my wares wherever I woke up. My favourite places all looked like your Downtown photo. Even back then I found many small towns almost deserted. I miss France and am now planning a long slow trip from Nederland to the Pyrenees, writing about it as I drift again, whilst looking to buy a remote corner.....
I commented on notes but didn't mention the volcanic rock sales. Sounds like an interesting time. There was definitely a volcanic rock vibe going on in Saint-Flour -- it surprised me.
The cathedral is magnificent, inside and outside.
Have you seen it? It's not huge, but has a special balance. I was quite charmed. In a future post, I'll be giving some very interesting modern info about it.
I just want to visit Saint Flour now thanks to you, Betty! The grey palette is so chic and versatile, this 'petite ville' is really charming. And I guess the food is great too. Yes, please, tell us more about this jewel.