Finally, the heat wave that has been smothering western Europe since late May has fizzled and we are being treated to a pleasantly warm (around 75-78F most days) and lovely summer in Angers. This is a city that has many events and exhibitions going on simultaneously and seems to execute on them flawlessly. It’s been great to see them!
Greg’s been out on his bike a lot and has a French biking friend to ride with. They are training for a 100km ride with a group at the end of August. While out riding recently, they visited the “Château du Plessis-Macé” a few days ago. First built in the 11th century, it’s been home to royals and their associates for centuries. It is now owned by the Maine-et-Loire department which manages its upkeep. Gorgeous!
We explored the “Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine,” a tapestry art museum housed in a 12th century hospital for the sick and poor. Jean Lurçat was a famous modern painter, ceramicist and tapestry creator whose images of war, peace, chaos, and joy were larger than life (literally, they were huge tapestries!). This one is called “Champagne,” visually representing a feeling of euphoria bursting forth. The museum also has an exhibition of the entries to a mini textile art competition that happens every three years. We were able to view and vote for our favorite of the entries to the competition this year.
The highlight of the week was cheering on the finish of the 3rd stage of the Women’s Tour de France! It was great to see that Angers was selected for this honor and the crowd was thousands of people deep along the final kilometer of the stage. The crowd patiently waited for the riders while cheering and clapping for them and their support teams as they came through. This was all happening on the street near our apartment and we had an up close view of this great competition.
This bridge (and the Angers castle in the background beyond it) was a great backdrop for the sign noting the 1km mark to the finish line of the race. This was just steps from our apartment building!
The parade of sponsors of the Women’s Tour was very fun and this one threw out “chicken head” fabric costumes to the waiting crowd. There were also big screens showing the progress of the Tour as it made its way to Angers and lots of music, revelry, and snacks and drinks. This is a major cycling city and the enthusiasm for the riders was strong.
While we were waiting for the riders and getting some ice cream, we came across this little bike trailer, which you could pull behind you if you were taking a long trip. I can only imaging how tiring it would be to tow this, especially up a hill, since it’s made of steel and wood!