Overshadowed by its drop-dead gorgeous, UNESCO-crowned, prefectural neighbor Albi, Castres often gets short shrift in these Occitanian parts, reduced to its talented and suitably burly rugby squad.
You have written a very appealing account of Castres Betty - I would definitely visit the impressive sounding art museum, the river side and that square looks utterly graceful - I could see myself there, seeking shade and a cooling drink, with a book to read, h der that hot summer sun.
Great write-up about a lesser-known French town, Betty. -- We all know it's not a French town unless at least *one* location is named after the great Jean Jaurès ;-)
I was recently in Béziers and enjoyed a nice "café en terrasse" on the local "place Jean Jaurès" an out-of-body experience in November since all Christmas decorations (and there were many) were already out while the weather was warm and sunny.
bonjour Betty, well, well, well. I've not been to Castres, but from your lovely, detailed, and enthusiastic description I feel that I'd really enjoy it! You really brought it to life and to the attention of others like me who haven't been there.
Thank you Judy. I hadn't been, except driving past, for 30 years despite being just a department away. They have done a lot of successful renovation and urban renewal.
It is, and I hadn’t been there since the 90s despite its proximity. The museum is a wonder, taking one through every era of Spanish painting up to very contemporary. I still didn’t get into Goya’s paintings, but found the engravings fascinating, albeit quite terrifying in some cases. One of the employees explained how they are trying to really communicate about the second part of the museum’s name because it is too associated with Goya only. I highly recommend it!
Love how the article weaves together the Le Nôtre garden with the Goya museum context. The detail about finding Le Nôtre's work on an intimate scale versus Versailles is really valuabl, most people only experience his designs through the overwhelming grandeur. The sculpture placement of Jaurès in the Place Jean Jaurès adds a nice layer too. I'venoticed similar urban planning where statuary and green space reinforce civic identity, but the cloistered bookshop is maybe the most interesting part, repurposing sacred architecture for literary space feels very French in the best way.
You have written a very appealing account of Castres Betty - I would definitely visit the impressive sounding art museum, the river side and that square looks utterly graceful - I could see myself there, seeking shade and a cooling drink, with a book to read, h der that hot summer sun.
Great write-up about a lesser-known French town, Betty. -- We all know it's not a French town unless at least *one* location is named after the great Jean Jaurès ;-)
I was recently in Béziers and enjoyed a nice "café en terrasse" on the local "place Jean Jaurès" an out-of-body experience in November since all Christmas decorations (and there were many) were already out while the weather was warm and sunny.
Thank you Véronique. Béziers is definitely on my list--I'm not that far away. I hear they really do up Christmas, as you said.
Lol. Yes. It’s really important to the mayor, Robert Menard. ;-)
That’s what I’ve heard!
bonjour Betty, well, well, well. I've not been to Castres, but from your lovely, detailed, and enthusiastic description I feel that I'd really enjoy it! You really brought it to life and to the attention of others like me who haven't been there.
merci mille fois
Judy
Thank you Judy. I hadn't been, except driving past, for 30 years despite being just a department away. They have done a lot of successful renovation and urban renewal.
Yes. It’s great to see good renovation. Rejuvenation. Inspiring in fact.
Jx
This is very interesting.
It’s also a very nice town in the Tarn but not as big of a draw as Albi…
Looks like a really interesting city. I love the restored buildings on the waterfront. And I am a fan of Goya's work - dark and brooding 😉
It is, and I hadn’t been there since the 90s despite its proximity. The museum is a wonder, taking one through every era of Spanish painting up to very contemporary. I still didn’t get into Goya’s paintings, but found the engravings fascinating, albeit quite terrifying in some cases. One of the employees explained how they are trying to really communicate about the second part of the museum’s name because it is too associated with Goya only. I highly recommend it!
Love how the article weaves together the Le Nôtre garden with the Goya museum context. The detail about finding Le Nôtre's work on an intimate scale versus Versailles is really valuabl, most people only experience his designs through the overwhelming grandeur. The sculpture placement of Jaurès in the Place Jean Jaurès adds a nice layer too. I'venoticed similar urban planning where statuary and green space reinforce civic identity, but the cloistered bookshop is maybe the most interesting part, repurposing sacred architecture for literary space feels very French in the best way.
Yes I enjoyed those components too "Neural foundry"
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have you been to that general area? If not, what parts of France are you into?