Round and About - Aixe-sur-Vienne Part 4

Following on from Part1, Part 2 and Part 3, here is my final post on Aixe-sur-Vienne.

L’église Sainte-Croix (The church Sainte-Croix) dates back to the 13th century.  It was built true to tradition and it would have been a place where travellers who were returning from Jerusalem would have stopped. The South Chapel was added in the 15th century.  Various changes were made over the years, but in 1767, there was severe lightning damage to the bell tower and major repairs took place in 1768.  In the 1800's, there were various repairs with restoration finishing in 1884. Further restoration of the tower and the West wing were done in 1983.  The three-span vaulted warheads of the nave are from the 16th century, and were restored in 2002.  The church contains great treasures as there are 21 shrines there.

Finally, here are a couple more photos that I took of the medieval bridge  when I visited it with my friend a couple of weeks ago. I think they are an improvement on my previous efforts!! See Part 3

 This one was of a house downstream which, I imagine, had an industrial use at some stage, with its very high chimney.  There was a man happily fishing on the wall, but I think he must have moved behind the tree!  My friend is in the foreground taking her own photos.

It was so peaceful and tranquil here with only the birds singing in the background. 

Round and About - Aixe-sur-Vienne Part 3

As I mentioned in Part 1, Aixe-sur-Vienne, is situated  a few kilometres west of Limoges in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin.  It gets its name from its position on the upper reaches of the Vienne River. 

The town is situated at the confluence of two rivers: the Vienne and the Aixette. Aixe-sur-Vienne offers fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling or even kayaking activities and tours.

 The main road (N21) crosses over the Vienne here, into the centre of the town. I have tried to find the name of the bridge, but with no success!

Looking upriver from the bridge.

The bridge over the Vienne is extended around a bend and crosses over the Aixette  at the confluence.

Along the Aixette river, there is a footbridge and, next to it, a stone arch named the Pont Malassert.  It appears that it is often called a "Roman Bridge", but in fact it apparently dates back "only" to medieval times! I gather that only half of it is left; the original bridge would have had two of these small arches, with logs of wood resting on top to walk over.

One of the very old houses that are in this area.

The sign reads L'Herbularium, Jardin des médicinales.  The garden is just to the side of the large bridge over the N21 and the Vienne runs along the back of the garden. All very well kept!

It is very attractive, but while I was there most of the flowers were either in bud or they had just gone over

The garden with a view of some of the old buildings in the back ground. The Vienne is at my back.

Coming soon - Part 4 around Aixe-sur-Vienne, which will cover the Eglise Sainte Croix, the Holy Cross Church. 

Round and About - Aixe-sur-Vienne Part 2

Following on from my Aixe-sur-Vienne Part 1 post, here are a few more interesting photos from the porcelain shop.

I think that has covered the most creative aspects  and the wide range of choice in this large  shop, but I have more photos of the town itself, which will be coming in later posts; watch this space!

Round and About - Aixe-sur-Vienne Part 1

On my way home from Limoges airport earlier in May, I stopped off in Aixe-sur-Vienne, which is situated  a few kilometres west of Limoges in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin.  It gets its name  from its position on the upper reaches of the Vienne River. 

There is a lot to see (and I missed much), but I will do a couple of posts on the town over the next few weeks; I will also do a couple on the porcelain industry, as there were so many exciting  objects to be seen.  Firstly, after parking my car and walking along the bank of the tranquil Vienne River 

I made my way to the porcelain shop, as it was close to closing time.  The products in stock are made nearby in Limoges, where I gather the factory is well worth a visit.  The history of the porcelain industry there goes back to 1766, when very pure kaolin was found near Saint Yrieix-la-Perche, about 30 km away from Limoges.

The small windows of the shop have beautiful displays.

Then as you enter the shop (with lots of money!!!) you suddenly realise how large the place is, and how extensive is the range of pottery on show. The premises are on three levels, and I gather there are over 200 different dinner services to choose from!

The building itself has been beautifully restored and that alone is worth seeing. 

In the basement, you will find whiteware and 'seconds', although I could not see any faults! 

On the ground floor, the displays are arranged in groups of different colours, designs and styles; every taste is catered for. 

You will also see glassware and other kitchen and dining room accessories and for the golfer in your life......

More later......