French Family

I have been so lucky to spend time in Nantes in the home of Jean-Marc and Françoise Lemoine and with Françoise's family at their Gilardeau family vineyard (Domaine des Coqueries) home in Thouarcé. I was welcomed and experienced a wonderful family weekend!

Left to right, top rows: Philippe*, Odile*, Françoise*, Jean-Louis*, Jean-Marc, me, Patrice, Annick*, Marc, Gerard, Justin, Monique*. Front row, left to right: Nino, Christelle, Raphael, Armand, Tom.

Note: The * indicates the six Gilardeau siblings.

Family dinner

Cabernet grapes

Family home


Vineyard

Gerard showed me how he splits the reeds to make baskets.





In Thouarcé, I was introduced to the sport of Boule de Fort.

My sincere apologies for not including Marc's name on the top photo the first time this blog was published!

Troglodyte Homes

After rock was mined from quarries, the space here was used for houses, kitchens, farm pens, and any other shelter needs. Have another child? Just carve out a niche...literally. The homes were solid and follow in a worldwide common tradition of rock, cave, pueblo, or cliff dwelling. The poster at the bottom reminded me of Mesa Verde.

Trip to the Talensac Market

Food is a daily delight here in Nantes, and there are many options for very fresh food. Talensac Market is full of options for any taste...

Fun Stuff in Nantes

Play on words

Galette - like a crepe, but savory - this one with egg, cheese, and ham

Sights from Chez Lemoine to Centre Nantes

Erdre River

Erdre River - see the tunnel on the left? The river runs under the city streets/tramways.

Detail at le chateau

18th century façade - example of wealth derived from slave trade

Eglise catholique

Chez Lemoine

My hosts are very nice, and their home is too! I can walk to the center of town easily (about one mile).

Fort Caroline - Musée du Nouveau Monde

Look familier?

Musée du Nouveau Monde

On onday, I visited le Musée du Nouveau Monde in La Rochelle. The museum building is an 18th century mansion that was purchased by Aimé-Benjamin Fleurieu in 1772. He purchased and enlarged it with the fortune he made from his plantation in Saint Dominigue.

Entry from rue Fleuriau

Description of building and its dedication posted along rue Fleuriau.

Carol in the courtyard of le musée

The museum collection includes a wide variety of materials, mostly North American or the United States, but also the history of the islands and Central and South America.

Port of La Rochelle, 1762

Saladier aux esclaves (salad plate depicting scenes of slavery and sugar plantation)

Fabrique d'indigo

La danse des nègres (traversée)

Exhibit case with invitaire d'une plantation rochelaise établie à Saint-Domingue à la fin du XVIII (18th) siecle

Fers de cale

Invitaire d'une plantation ...

La Rochelle - Port City

I visited La Rochelle on the suggestions of Jean-Marc Masseut. Today I walked the town, which included visiting the Musee de Temple Protestant and the Musee Maritime de la Rochelle. I also walked the town again, including Le Vieux Port. The city has 1000 ans d'histoire. Tomorrow I'll focus on the slave trading connections in La Rochelle.

Towers

Waterfront, Le Vieux Port

Inside the Temple Protestant.

Temple Protestant

The old towards at the entrance of Le Vieux Port.

La Rochelle - Just for Fun

Dogs are everywhere!

Bench where I had my coffee and pastry

Afternoon snack options 1

Afternoon snack options 2

Crepe with honey for lunch!