Today's maximum temperature 11C, minimum 3C. 1mm or rain measured. 20 km/h cold South West winds.
We walked around the town of Arras in the morning, having stayed there overnight. Probably in our state of health the promenade was not a good idea, but we were trying to stick to our plan of exploring a new place! It was cold, damp and windy!
Place des Heros. Fifty two buildings in the square are listed as historical monuments!
At one end is the town hall, a grand building where the tourist board occupy the bottom floor - note the person here walking against the wind trying to keep their hat on!
At the back of the town hall is the 75 metre high bell tower of Arras which overlooks the Place des Héros. Its construction started in 1463 and ended only in 1554 under the supervision of Jacques Le Caron. Later, the bell tower was enlarged twice, in 1572 and in 1658. Almost destroyed entirely during World War One, the bell tower was rebuilt more soberly under the plans of Pierre Paquet between 1924 and 1932.
In Northern France and Belgium, the tradition of giants goes
back as far as the 16th century.
The 19th century saw the figure of the giant brought back to
prominence. The giants of Arras are market gardeners from Achicourt, a local village . These characters, Colas and Jacqueline (above) have existed in song
since 1812. It's hard to judge heights from these photos, but I would guess they are about 4 metres (13 feet) high!
Two more giants.The small black squares are vision panels, so the person carrying them in a parade can see where they are going!
War Memorial
'Europe' by Pierre Mazeline (1632-1708). This is a copy; the original is at the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris.
Just looking up!
La Grignoterie - snack and sandwich shop.
Lastly, the Christmas market which was of course closed early in the morning when we walked around!
Good to see you out and about again.
ReplyDeleteWish I was out and about again, not photos take 29 December!!! Diane
DeleteGuess I should read the title carefully, huh?
DeleteIt probably helps !
DeleteThe buildings are beautifully designed and very impressive! Very interesting place to visit. I wonder if the giants are heavy to carry around.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that they are on wheels so you look out of the hole and just push :-) Take care Diane
DeleteA beautiful area! The giants are great! Love them!
ReplyDeleteI loved them, lots of fun.. Hope all is well Diane
DeleteI just love the buildings you post pics of. The town hall is amazing. Bet just as pretty inside as out. Thanks for sharing these for us all to see.
ReplyDeleteYou can see the ceiling of the town hall in the photos with the giants. Beautiful. Hope you are past the worst of this lot of fibrio Diane
DeleteThe weather looks rather miserable. Hope you found a warm place to get cosy.
ReplyDeleteThe weather was lousy, but we were on a quick look around on the 29th before travelling on so no chance to look for anywhere cosy. Cheers Diane
DeleteI thought that I recognised the name of the town from reading about WW1 - and I was right. It's a remarkable re-build.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
We had hoped to see a lot more there, but with the weather so bad, and neither of us feeling well we missed so much. Cheers Diane
DeleteIncroyable architecture Diane but it certainly looks cold and wet, you really should have been tucked up in bed at home ☺ hope you are starting to feel at least a wee bit better ✨
ReplyDeleteThis was driving back from the UK on the 29th Dec and we both wish that we had of been home in bed. The next couple of posts will also be part of the drive home. Still not feeling 100% by any means. Take care Diane.
DeleteYou have so many wonderful places, Diana. I always enjoy seeing your photos. The giants are colorful, and yes TALL. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you're both feeling better now.
xoxo
The giants are fun and it good that they have been brought back.
DeleteI am feeling better but the cough lingers and the weather is pretty horrible so I am pretty much house bound!
Take care Diane
Hi Diane. I've much enjoyed this post, even if it was at the expense of your own comfort! I get so fascinated by cities at ground level when I first visit them, particularly if I'm outside UK, that I usually manage to forget to look up. When I eventually remember to look up, I find myself wanting to go back and start all over again!
ReplyDeleteTake very good care and get back to full health soon. Best wishes - - - Richard
Looking up is one of the most important parts of walking around French cities and villages, there is always something interesting well above ground level.
DeleteRichard I am feeling better but the cough lingers which is upsetting my sleep. Nigel is very caring and makes sure that I do not go out in the horrible weather we are having. It just keep raining!!
Best wishes and thanks for the comment Diane