Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Les halles

In 990, Emma, the daughter of the Count of Blois, Theobald I, founded the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Pierre, which was known for growing Mediterranean plants such as olive trees, oranges and pomegranates from the original monastery in Italy. The monastery was destroyed during the French Revolution. The commune gives its name to the AOC wine-growing region. Almost exclusively red wine is grown on a vineyard area of 1368 hectares. The market hall belonged to the Benedictines of Bourgueil Abbey before being transferred to the Domaine Nationale in 1789. In 1810, an imperial decree confirmed the purchase of the market hall by the town of Bourgueil, but its poor condition prompted the commissioner of experts to recommend that it be rebuilt The municipality rejected this solution, but in 1823 part of the halls collapsed and reconstruction was unavoidable. The choice fell in favour of rebuilding a smaller building made of tuff. A stone that is found in large quantities in the region. The Mairie, built 1828, now form the end of the market hall.

The market hall in Melle was erected in the early 20th century, replacing a wooden. Mid 19th century architect Victor Baltard had started to built Les Halles in Paris from iron and glass. This was a great technical innovation - and market halls in the "Style Baltard" were built all over France. One of them here in Melle. When I walked into Melle, I saw posters and learned that this was the last evening of the "Boulevard du Jazz 2015"! So after a rest and a shower - I was back in the center of Melle in the early evening.

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as Prince Raymond of Poitou married Fairy Melusine. They had ten children - and so founded this dynasty. "Les halles", built in 1853, are impressing 33 meters long and 16 meters wide. They replaced a medieval market hall. Mid 19th century the very most "new" market halls were metal constructions, so this was a very "traditional" structure at that time.

Markets in French towns and villages are very important and often have long traditions. Many towns have old, timbered market halls. The large stones, forming the foundations of "Vieilles Halles" in Cozes, are from the 14th century. The wooden beams seen here are more than 500 years old.