Is this goodbye to another of Richelieu's Shops

For some time now we have noticed a listing on Leboncoin.fr for a shop in the main square at Richelieu which Elizabeth uses for some of her sewing and knitting needs. It also carried a large range of adult and children's clothing although we have to say much of the that was not to our English taste. We understand that the lady who owns it is going to retire.

The shop is now destined to close down with all the stock being sold with large reductions.

It will be such a shame to loose such a useful shop and we are sure it will be missed by many of Richelieu residents who do not have easy access to the larger town shops.

It was relisted on Leboncoin.fr this morning so hopefully someone will take it on, all be it in a different form.

Update on Les Halles 2 - Richelieu

Yesterday, when we were in Richelieu we took a walk around Les Halles where the work on the roof is, at a visual estimation, about half way through. We last updated about the works in May and the photographs below demonstrate how the renovation has progressed since then.

I have a tin of 'Brasso' if you fancy polishing the copper guttering.

If you look back at the last picture in May's blog you can see how these supports have been spliced with new oak.

The roof tilers gantry sweeps as it progresses!!! The access ladder at the side is also a lift for the new tiles up to working area.

The job is taking time but it is certainly a credit to the craftsmen who are doing it.

We will continue to follow the works with interest and post further updates as the project progresses...

Waiting for a train...

According to the local free paper, Ouest Annonces, the old steam train was supposed to be at Richelieu station last Sunday and every Sunday in July and August...

But unfortunately this was all that was there...  Jane waiting for the train!!!

Perhaps we were looking in the wrong place as the press cutting mentions workshops!! We will try again in the coming weeks...

Update on Les Halles - Richelieu

Following on from our post in March, work is continuing on the upgrading and renovation of the market hall in Richelieu.  The works board is giving the cost at 1,647,000 € and the duration of the works as 12 months.

We think this will make it the largest project in Richelieu for some time... Lets hope there is more to come...

Despite the recent poor weather work has started on the roof timbers. The first sections having been stripped and the work's well under way.

A Question of Balance??

We will continue to follow the works with interest and post updates as the upgrading progresses...

Tourist Information - Richelieu

For those visitors coming to the area over the Easter holidays and beyond, the Office de Tourisme is now open in its newly refurbished premises in the square, Richelieu.

Unfortunately, in typically French fashion, the website for the Office de tourisme is still showing the old premises!

We anticipate that by the end of the tourist season, this link will be considered for updating.... What's the rush?!

Upgrading of Les Halles - Richelieu

We featured the market hall in Richelieu in a blog in September 2011 and at the time the Abbe Henri Proust had commented on the plans to restore the buildings roof. Well! the upgrading of the building has started but not yet on the roof.

The work so far has been to remove the concrete floor and the side walls.

Looking at the bases of 400 year old timbers they have done incredibly well over the years. I don't think the building will fall down anytime soon! The contractors have also shown respect for the current timber...

We will follow the works with interest and post updates as the upgrading progresses...

Shop signs

No prizes for guessing what this shop in Richelieu is?

La Grande Rue

Christmas lights on the Grande Rue, Richelieu.

Toussaint - Brocante

Today is the feast of All Saints or Toussaint and in France it is recognised as a  Bank Holiday. And of course a feast day is an excuse for a Brocante - in Richelieu, at least!

The day dawned overcast with light rain but undaunted we headed down to the square for a look at the wares on offer. As is usually the case with events  like this, attendance was good and the range of items on sale was quite bewildering.

Baby equipment was well represented....

 

as were toys for the children.....

And for mum and dad, the standard portrait for above the bed - (I jest not!)

Stalls filled Les Halles; just about every inch was taken up.

 

A Brocante is very much a social occasion - a time to see and be seen......

And that includes the sunshine, which had graced us with its presence by the end of the morning.

But as we leave these events one thought is always at the forefront of our minds.....Who on earth will buy that mirror with the corner broken off it, or the doll with its arms missing, or a 1968 copy of Le Monde with half its pages missing ....... Who indeed?!

Les Halles - Richelieu

Ever since I first came to Richelieu many years ago the vaulted market hall has always been and still remains one of the best timber structures I have seen. Built in the 1600's it is still used today every Monday and Friday for traditional markets and also for other specialist markets throughout the year.

 

 

The Abbé Henri Proust in his blog Eminence Rouge has noted that work on restoration of the roof of Les Halles is to start soon. It will be an interesting set of works to follow. His blog also contains details of other works currently being undertaken in Richelieu.

During the Christmas market last year Les Halles was decorated and full of christmas stalls. It had a great atmosphere for the occasion.

It truly is a magnificent structure and a credit to the tradesmen who built it all those years ago. I wonder if the architects/structural engineers of the day worked out all the beam loadings? It would be an interesting document to read....

Richelieu's Young Farmers

Today it was the turn of the Jeunes Agriculteurs du Richelais to put on a display aimed at the children of the area.

Advertised as: "A la découverte du lait et Marché fermier" the day was a celebration of all things to do with milk production on the farm. There were the obvious cows and goats

 

Plus some imaginative use of a trailer with hay bales to provide a slide...

A Maze....

And a cart track for the little ones.....

Surrounding the square were the usual stalls selling honey, glasses of wine, hand made soap and local produce as well as the obligatory beer stall!

There was something for everyone!