In 1255, Sainte Foy la Grande was given it’s
royal charter by Alphonse de Poitiers , son of Louis VIII. This gave them
permission to hold a weekly market and to govern themselves as an independent
town. There has been a settlement here since at least roman times. There are ruins of roman villas scattered along the river valley and artifacts were found here in town during various building works.
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| rue de la republique - before cars |
In the back streets of the old town centre there are quite a few buildings showing their age.
One of them has always interested me. It is built from local stone and has the most beautiful arched windows. It dates from the 13th century so would be one of the oldest structures still standing and in use here.
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| these carvings are on the facade of a medieval building. One side depicts 'good' and the other 'evil'. Not sure which is which or even what some of them are |
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| this tower is known as La Tour des Templiers (the templar's tower). The jury is out as to whether it's actually templar or not but there is also a legend that there is a tunnel from the tower, under the river, to a house on the other side. |
One of them has always interested me. It is built from local stone and has the most beautiful arched windows. It dates from the 13th century so would be one of the oldest structures still standing and in use here.
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| lovely arched windows |
It is only one storey, which is unusual, and was
probably originally a craftsman’s house.
It is beside one of the houses owned by the Langalerie family who were one
of the local “squires”.
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| Chateau de Langalerie |
For many years
in the last century it was the atelier
(studio) of Paul Corriger, a famous ceramicist. His work has been exhibited in
cities like Paris and Florence and many are in buildings around
the town, like the post office, the station and schools.
And what is it today ? My hairdresser. Just a reminder that these old towns live and grow and change.
Bonne semaine mes amis
