The Plot

 

On the 31st May.

Backpackering 7 - Day 14

 

Up early for a stroll on the deck

passing the 1860 Horse Sand Fort,

disembarking at the ferry terminal

to catch our train to Cardiff, the last of 15 this trip. 

Backpackering 7 - Day 13

 

Our last day in France saw us take  two  trains back to St Malo

to walk the last part of the old towns wall. Quite different this time around with a low tide. 

Having had an early brunch in Nantes, returning to the creperie visited on Day 1,

the ice cream we ordered was a bit exotic. Three dollups of cream sprinked with nuts, three macarons and a scoup of vanilla ice cream all on a crepe. A cornetto it was not. 

A final amble around before boarding the ferry,

for a dinner treat. 

Backpackering 7 - Day 12

Resuming part 2 of our green amble, passing the 15th century Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul

and by all that remains of Nantes city wall at St. Peter's Gate,

we reached the River Erdre.

The river links to the 238 mile Brest canal which Nepolean had built in the early 19th century when the British blockaded the two ports.

The Japanese Garden housed on an artificial island

was created in 1983. Nantes is twinned with Niigata in Japan which is also crossed by a big river 

Timely, we passed this drawing which explained a thing or two about the city centre layout, it being so open. The four islands on the right are now all one and the two on the left are part of the 'main land'. Back then Nantes port was situated on the left branch of the river. (Tap the  image to see a sharper photo. The Ile de Versailles is where the Japanese Garden is.)

Jules was born here in 1828 and is known as being the father of science fiction, with his books including Journey to the Centre of the Earth. 

Passing the Brasillica of St Nicholas

to spot the hand supporting  a drunken tree

and chance upon  gatherings in the re-purposed castle moat

we ended of our self made green line amble.

The Humans - Olaf Breuning

 

Produced in 2007, these six sculptures made of Carrara marble and bronze "---- present a skewed, humorous, and sarcastic vision of humanities evolution. "

Rock

The creation of the Earth.

Half Fish Half Monkey 

The emergency of life.

Venus

The appearance of humankind.

Religion 

The medieval crusade.

King

Absolute power.

Mouse

With its tail shaped like an electrical cord, evokes contemporary humans and their dependence on the connected world

Backpackering 7 - Day 11

 

Off again to follow Nantes green line. Well our own version of it.  At 7.5 miles (12 km) to connect its special art works, it is a bit OTT for a couple of pensioners. 

Starting at the entrance to the Botanical Garden with a welcoming figure,

passing the deer and its calves,

we made our way to Art Gallery. 

The interior is just as pristine as the exterior and is full of art from centuries past.

But this modest piece by Alfred Sisley from 1892 caught our eye. He visited Penarth and painted a tree on the cliff top there.

On our line again, "Ode to Sidestepping ". Having read the blurb, I still don't know what is about. Perhaps I should have asked the little girl.

Now this l could follow  but it will need a post of its own.

This, the Passage Pommeraye, is a three-storey shopping arcade from 1843. Cardiff should be jealous,

leading up to the Opera House in the Place Graslin.

A special treat to end part 1 of our own  green line, macarons and cake. DELICIOUS. 

 Be back tomorrow to do part 2.

Backpackering 7 - Day 10

Waiting for the train to Nantes, the 11th so far on this trip.

Someone is enjoying the 1st class seat on the upper level of this high-speed transport. Adjustable seat, a foot rest, all the plugs ins you might need and even a mirror to check your makeup before detraining. 

Opposite La Gare Nord de Nantes, the botanical gardens first opened in the mid 18th century, again the design influenced by the parks in England. .

Can you make out the sleeping bear?

Every plant has a label, including  this 200 year old magnolia.

A pose to set the size of the bench. Quirky art is a Nantes thing.

A bendy, three selection electric bus, more like a tram without rails or over head cables. 

Back to the past.

Backpackering 7 - Day 9

 

Today we returned to Angers for a nights stay and follow the blue line.

First up, La Cathedrale Saint-Maurice, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, still with a stained glass window dating from 1165.

The fortress was built in 1230 with 17 impressive towers

which were cropped in 16th century to accommodate the new invention, canons. 

 

Moving on to pass La Maison d'Adam, an intricately decorated 15th century house. 

Just one of many on its walls.

Then,  La Grand Theatre

in the Place du Ralliement, packed with locals in the evening. 

Hotel de Pince from the Renaissance period.

Passing through foodie streets, still on the Blue  Line,

back up to the La Place R

to be greeted by the happy dinners.

Last, be not least, La Maison Bleue, the facade being decorated in the Art Deco style of the early 20th Century. 

And so ends our evening amble