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France.... my visit to Nantes On 9 September 2015 I arrived in France to visit Anne and her family in her home city of Nantes in France... here she was working in her profession of social work, helping displaced and disadvantaged people, especially street kids. Her apartment was near the Bonne Garde bus stop on the south side of Nantes, which gives good access to the larger bus/tram network, and of course the city itself. Nantes is a large city of over 1m inhabitants, but still has a 'historic' atmosphere. The city itself is built on, and incorporates, a history going back many hundreds of years, and in fact many of the buildings which form the core of the CBD date back several hundred years. The city, and as I was later to find out, the towns of this region of France are full of beautiful old stone buildings, with lots of "art in public places". While France lacks the large natural areas of a country like Australia, it is certainly very beautiful, thanks to the love the people here have of beautiful things and places. France seems very stylish at the same time as very functional, with everything (especially public transport) working remarkably well.
French architects use colour in imaginative ways....
The famous Nantes Elephant. It walks, it's eyes move and blink, it calls out with the usual elephant trumpet, and it blows water from its trunk. Apparently the Chinese were so impressed they commissioned a dragon.
A stall at Nantes market
Although a big city, you can still find quiet places...
Chestnuts lay all over the ground in a forest in Boupere.
An old castle lies in ruins near the forest
Bagettes form the basis of many tasty meals...
Crepes for lunch with friends....
Our first weekend was spent visiting relatives... Bernard and Maryse her parents, Anthony her brother, her maternal grandfather Auguste and grandmother Marie, her paternal grand mother Madeline (unfortunately in hospital), and her sister Marie, married to Vincent, girls Lola and Kenzie.
Storytime... Kenzie, Bernard, Marie, Lola, Maryse and Anthony
Looking through old photographs
A forest lane near Anne's parents' house
Sandra and Noelene
Melanie and Lisa
At Les Sables d'Olonne there are lots of public murals, all done with sea shells.....
Boats at the historic town of Roche Bernard
Sea water in a rocky channel had every appearance of milk....
A cool September Sunday, well into Autumn, but the beach is still popular. One or two were swimming...
Seaside Sunday
Suscinio Castle, a national monument. Luckily for us, entry is free on two days per year, and we timed it right.
Bretange: dual language signs in French and Celtic
The historic walled city of Vannes
Cafes specialise in wonderful crepes... and not expensive. Apple cider is served in white porcelain bowls.
From the belltower in the church at St
Lyphard... remarkable harmony of urban form... slate roofs, white walls,
uniform proportions... There are many old walled towns and cities in France... here is a map of Guerande
Guerande
Guerande salt is collected from the salt marshes near the town
Shopping with Anne was one of my favourite activities
You guessed it.... Ikea.
PARIS We found a dishrack in the street...
As you would expect, there's lots of art in public places. This one is near the national museum.
A bridge near Notre Dame Cathedral... covered in padlocks, each marked with the names of lovers.
For the super-rich, Paris has many interesting shops. This beautiful figure is actually a candle!
And if you have enough money, there are places here where you can have your very own perfume made!
And you don't need to put on your own makeup... here is a makeup saloon.
Lunch on the lawns...
What to have for lunch?
As you would expect, parking is a problem.
So scooters are very popular.
The subways are popular too, with some routes standing room only throughout the whole day.
And you can still find the traditonal French bicycle in use, although it is disappearing.
The army has a presence.
Just as well, with spacecraft around.
An Art Gallery had an exhibition of Starwars art. We thought about buying shoes.
And tried to work out who was tallest....
Anne and Lola 2010
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