2015 Poitiers - Saintes Walking

The population of roe deer must be pretty high in the area. I had already seen a buck some days ago. Unfortunately I froze, when I saw the deers - and then started to tremble, when I took the photo.

It was pretty hot, when I approached Melle. More stubble fields. I had been here before and like the town, so I had decided to say for two days.

The market hall in Melle was erected in the early 20th century, replacing a wooden. Mid 19th century architect Victor Baltard had started to built Les Halles in Paris from iron and glass. This was a great technical innovation - and market halls in the "Style Baltard" were built all over France. One of them here in Melle. When I walked into Melle, I saw posters and learned that this was the last evening of the "Boulevard du Jazz 2015"! So after a rest and a shower - I was back in the center of Melle in the early evening.

I was lucky, to have reached Melle on the very last day of the "Boulevard du Jazz 2015". "Le Tigre des Platanes" were a big surprise for me. Full Power Jazz. Moving from ethno, rock to free. - A perfect performance! www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY4K5f6Rpwg

Silver and lead were mined in Melle since Roman times. In Merovingian and Carolingian times it was a home of a mint. In 2008 archaeologists found a silver penny under the floor of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen (Aix La Chapelle). It was minted at METVLLO what is Melle today. In medieval times Melle was a prosperous town, attracting many pilgrims following the Via Turonensis. The town (today´s pop. ~4000) still hosts three Romanesque churches, built during the 11th and 12th centuries. Saint-Hilaire de Melle was the church of a priory, a dependency of the important Benedictine abbey in Saint-Jean-d’Angély. It was built on the bank of the Beronne river. The eastern part were built in the first half of the 12th century, while the nave and the western portals may be some decades younger. As I have uploaded many photos from here already, I will just add a few.

Silver and lead were mined in Melle since Roman times. In Merovingian and Carolingian times it was a home of a mint. In 2008 archaeologists found a silver penny under the floor of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen (Aix La Chapelle). It was minted at METVLLO what is Melle today. In medieval times Melle was a prosperous town, attracting many pilgrims following the Via Turonensis. The town (today´s pop. ~4000) still hosts three Romanesque churches, built during the 11th and 12th centuries. Saint-Hilaire de Melle was the church of a priory, a dependency of the important Benedictine abbey in Saint-Jean-d’Angély. It was built on the bank of the Beronne river. The eastern part were built in the first half of the 12th century, while the nave and the western portals may be some decades younger. As I have uploaded many photos from here already, I will just add a few.

Silver and lead were mined in Melle since Roman times. In Merovingian and Carolingian times it was a home of a mint. In 2008 archaeologists found a silver penny under the floor of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen (Aix La Chapelle). It was minted at METVLLO what is Melle today. In medieval times Melle was a prosperous town, attracting many pilgrims following the Via Turonensis. The town (today´s pop. ~4000) still hosts three Romanesque churches, built during the 11th and 12th centuries. An oratory, dedicated to St. Peter, existed here around 950 in the center of a Carolingian cementary. This humble chapel was dependent from the abbey of Saint-Maixent (25kms north). This small structure got extended and enlarged in two stages during the early 12th century. The choir with the nicely decorated chapels and transept form the oldest existing part. The church was set on fire and defaced during the Wars of Religions. After the French Revolution this was the meeting place for the assemblies of the inhabitants. - Located next to Saint-Pierre is the very comfortable and agreeable Chambre d'hôtes Carillon & Cadran. Nicole & François are very friendly and helped us a lot. Merci beaucoup! chambredhotescarillon.jimdo.com/ - As I have uploaded many photos from here already, I will just add a few.

Saint-Romans, the parish church of the village, is a nice 12th century structure. It got obviously altered and enlarged later. The tower was added within the 15th century.

I saw the inviting "Coquille Saint-Jacques" on the left, but I read as well "Propriété Privée" and below, that guided tours were possible "sur rendez-vous"... I had no appointment, as I was just passing by - and so did not enter the premises. This was obviously the residency of the medieval archpriest, representing the bishop. I walked all around the fence as a small Romanesque church was still part of the ensemble.

This grey was very interested in me, when I passed by.

Walking through Brioux sur Boutonne I passed the former Studio Garnier. Mr. Garnier showed some humour, when he locked the studio - and left.

A herd of cattle. Charolais cattle is often seen in France. Even on menus.

A crisp morning.

The two hares seemed to be frozen. They did not move, when I slowly tiptoed over the track - not making any noise. When I looked back - they were gone!

A "Coquille Saint Jaques" - "Aulnay 7 KM" - and an arrow. Turn right behind the waste containers. The street sign in the backdrop reads "Chemin de Compostelle" - and the post below has a red/white "balisage". Over years Saint Pierre in Aulnay had always been one of these wonderful churches I wanted to reach by foot.

Saint-Pierre d’Aulnay had always been one of these churches I wanted to reach by foot. I slowly approached - and I could see the tower already from this point. Having been here before the church was no surprise, but it really makes a big difference, to reach the church like thousands of pilgrims with blistered feet. The church does not look different, but the church feels different.

"Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay" is a church outside of Aulnay, in the center of an old graveyard. The setting has not changed for centuries. For the pilgrims of the 12th century this church was a major halt - and it still is for all the tourists... A predecessing church „Saint-Pierre-de-la-Tour“ had been here, that, when the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella got more and more popular, was obviously too small, as Aulnay was conveniently situated between Poitiers and Saintes on the Via Turonensis. A new, larger church was needed, so the place was handed over to the chapter of the cathedral in Poitiers. The canons then probably planned this church, that was erected from about 1130/1140 on. "Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay" is a gem of the "style saintongeais". For Peter Strafford ("Romanesque Churches Of France") this is "one of the best examples of late Romanesque architecture in what used to be Aquitaine".

"Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay" is a church outside of Aulnay, in the center of an old graveyard. The setting has not changed for centuries. For the pilgrims of the 12th century this church was a major halt - and it still is for all the tourists... A predecessing church „Saint-Pierre-de-la-Tour“ had been here, that, when the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella got more and more popular, was obviously too small, as Aulnay was conveniently situated between Poitiers and Saintes on the Via Turonensis. A new, larger church was needed, so the place was handed over to the chapter of the cathedral in Poitiers. The canons then probably planned this church, that was erected from about 1130/1140 on. "Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay" (here seen from east) is a gem of the "style saintongeais". For Peter Strafford ("Romanesque Churches Of France") this is "one of the best examples of late Romanesque architecture in what used to be Aquitaine".