Bonjour la famille et les amis,
Yesterday, Monday, and today, Tuesday, have been a constant blending of old and new – from reliving old experiences to searching out new experiences as well as taking in that which is old to that which is new within La Rochelle. For today’s post, the result is a multitude of photos. For my poor feet, thoughts of mutiny. 😉
Automata – Wizard
Yesterday’s focus was a return to the Musée des Automates et Modèles Réduits which is actually housed in two separate buildings. The  automata portion is something that I have yet to find anywhere else to this scale. The automata are the mechanical precursors of our modern day robots. The ones on exhibit here, range for the most part, from the 1890s to the 1930s. However, there are some versions that are more modern and built specifically for the museum.
In addition, in the automata building is a full-sized, but compacted, representation of Montmartre in Paris. It is intended, I believe, to convey the essence of that well known Parisian neighborhood (in the gallery, these photos follow those of the automata).
While the models portion is not something particularly unique, it is quite the collection of model cars, ships, and trains. I never tire of visiting such collections and, of course, my grandson as probably many of you are now aware, is quite keen on any and all forms of transportation. Thus, in the gallery you will see many photos of the collections as well as the three model railroad layouts.
Today’s focus was wandering the west side of town as well as a search for a particular landmark that eluded me some five years ago. The wandering began with a stroll through Parc Charruyer which runs south to north beginning just west of the Vieux Port. It is not a sculpted park like some of those found in Paris but rather more natural with waterways that eventually connect to the sea at the port. Once down near the sea, turned westward and followed the walking/biking path towards the north headlands which are a set of cliffs jutting into the sea. Unfortunately, that path ends roughly a half mile prior to the headlands.
Parc Charruyer
Eden Ouest
Besides taking photos of the effects of the low tide (which is quite pronounced here), also took photos of some of the residences out westward. These are more modern coastal style but with some French touches. Back in town, snapped some photos of the neighborhood where I am staying which is directly north of the port and only 10 minutes by foot. The associated photo is the outside of the B&B which was converted from a ship owner’s house built in 1745.
Lastly, I finally found the Knights Templar landmark in La Rochelle – look for the photographs before the cross on the stones. The site is truly hard to find and not well known by even many of the locals. Hopefully, everyone enjoys the plethora of photos. Tomorrow hoping to go to sea!
A bientôt,
Papi
I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. I head off on my own trip tomorrow. I will catch up with you when I return to work.
Thanks Diana and bon voyage!
Appears you are having a grand time!
Thanks Sally. And yes, I do enjoy traveling. Have just arrived in Paris.
Well, while in France you might want to scoot right over to Provence and check out the lavender fields for me! 🙂