Saint-Jean d’Angély
My travel agenda usually has more things to see than are hours in the day, but I arrived in Saint-Jean d’Angély totally unprepared. I had been wandering through sunflower fields, taking photos, when I spotted the towers of the Royal Abbey Cathedral. I had no idea what town they were in but it wasn’t difficult to follow them to their source as I wandered the little farm roads through the fields.
Abbey Cathedral of Saint-Jean d’Angély
The towers of the Abbey Cathedral are magnificent and yet, sadly, the towers are all that ever came to realization. The Abbey itself dates from the early 9th century when it was a Benedictine Abbey but the towers of the would-be Royal Abbey Cathedral are all that we see of the 17th century cathedral construction. Lack of funds and the Revolution are what put an end to the magnificent cathedral that the monks had in mind.
I climbed to the top of the towers where I got a front row seat to the bells when they chimed and an amazing view of Saint-Jean d’Angély.
The Abbey Today
The Abbey is today used for the city’s library in the former monks’ refectory and on the second floor it also houses the municipal school of music. There are evidently some pretty incredible murals in the library but unfortunately I was there the one day it was not open.
However, I did manage to get some fairly close photos of the door pediments which you see below. The longer pediment was found on each side of the entry door to the library building and the pediment on the right was directly over the door. Each window of the building also had pediments of a smaller size and from ground level I never could manage a good clear image.
Monks Building Door Pediments
I have a hard time functioning without an agenda when I travel but I must admit that when you don’t know what is next “on the tour” it is much easier to just enjoy the sites such as the flowers below. I asked someone what they were, as they could be found growing out of the tiniest crack in the cement or wall! They appear to not even need dirt! Based on what the French call them and my searching on the internet, I believe that it is Lavatera trimestris or Rose Mallow. If I’m wrong, let me know.
Wild Flowers in Saint-Jean d’Angély
Place Pilori
I recovered from the heat of the day in the shade of some wonderful trees on the main square, Place Pilori, with a cool drink. I read a local brochure and discovered that nearby I could climb the town’s clock tower!
Place Pilori
Pilori Fountain, Renaissance style well
Tour de l’Horlage
La Tour de l’Horlage, or the Clock Tower, is open to climb and gave some splendid views of the town. This 15th century stone building contains a permanent exhibition. Frankly, I was more fascinated with the architectural details than with the exhibit!
Saint-Jean d’Angély Clock Tower
View of the Royal Abbey from the Clock Tower window
15th century door inside the clock tower
I loved the view out of the window at the top of the tower. Because I was alone in the tower, I spent forever looking at and photographing the details of doors, windows, etc. The US is an infant in terms of her lifespan. When I look at something that has existed from the 15th century or early, I am just fascinated! Living history is the reason I love to travel.
I loved what I saw of Saint-Jean d’Angély. I am sure that by not having first “researched” the town, I missed some important sites. If you have seen something there you thought was special, be sure to post it in a comment.
Hotel de Ville and Palais de Justice
I will finish with some nice sunny views of the Hôtel de Villeand the Palais de Justice in Saint-Jean d’Angély. Situated across the plaza from one another, I discovered both by chance. I had asked my waiter at lunch for directions to what he considered to be the best boulangerie in town. The boulangerie just happened to be on the corner of the same plaza as these two buildings. He was right, the baguette I bought was wonderful and so was the almond croissant. I was a great snack later in the afternoon.
St-Jean d’Angély Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
St-Jean d’Angély Palais de Justice
nice
holy GOD