The cosy ambience of Segonzac, the first French town to win the award of 'Slow Town'
Drive north west for a couple of hours from Ribérac and you will find yourself in the small but beautifully formed town of Segonzac. The town recently became the first French town to be awarded the title of Cittàslow meaning Slow Town. This movement began in Italy about 10 years ago but now encompasses over 140 towns in 20 countries including the UK. The idea of Cittàslow is to encourage a quality of life for both locals and visitors. Quality of life means supporting local businesses, being respectful of the enviroment whilst doing everything to keep local traditions alive. From what Lesley and I saw as we passed through on our way to Cognac and the historic coastal town of La Rochelle beyond, the mayor, Mme Marendat, is doing a fine job.
The bustling port of La Rochelle
The approach to La Rochelle is not promising; the landscape north west of Cognac reminds me a little of the Romney Marshes in Kent and unless you are fond of sheep is not particularly inspiring. Things begin to improve as the coast comes into view and you enter the city proper. One is first struck by the thought that money is/has been spent here in recent times. There's more than a whiff of prosperity on the salt laden air.
Signs of La Rochelle's prosperous past are evident in these proud buildings
La Rochelle's magnificently preserved covered market, thankfully still in use today
Renaissance buildings that line the streets set out in a grid pattern point proudly down to the famous twin tower harbour entrance and the Bay of Biscay beyond. Collonades and arches abound. Most buildings seem to have been tastefully restored and the renovation works seem to be going on apace. Glitzy shops line the arcades and one suspects a lot of business is done with visiting 'yachties' who patronise the largest marina for pleasure craft in Europe, Les Minimes.
Some of La Rochelle's residents in discussion, perhaps an example of the city's past role as a major shipping base to routes to Africa and the Antilles?
Like its equally prosperous cousin further south, Bordeaux, La Rochelle has encouraged the use of cycles at the expense of cars. They are everywhere and people of all ages, shapes and sizes, take full advantage of this bike friendly city. If you do not have your own bike just jump on one of the many 'Yelo' town bikes that you'll find located at strategic points around the town and your'e off. This is definitely the future for getting mobile in town centres. Is it just my imagination or do the French seem so much more forward thinking in this respect than their UK counterparts?
Children can ride safely, even in this mode
Cycle cops, off to lunch?
City cycles courtesly of 'Yelo'
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