Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Saint-Laurent

Fleurance was founded as a bastide in the 13th century. It lies in the heart of the former province of Gascony. The name Fleurance is a reference to the Italian city of Florence. Curiously, in the region there are other such references to cities in Europe, such as Geaune (Genoa), Pavie (Pavia), Miélan (Milan), Koln (Cologne) or Plaisance (Piacenza). Fleurance was built on a hill on a regular plan. After Philippe le Bel Fleurance ceded to Edward I of England in 1287, the latter helped finance brick walls in 1292. The center of the bastide is this building which originally was supported by 28 wooden posts. The building was dilapidated and was rebuilt in 1786. This new building burnt down in 1833. The rebuilding was completed in 1850 and now sixty square stone pillars support the story and create the covered market.

Fleurance was founded as a bastide in the 13th century. It lies in the heart of the former province of Gascony. The name Fleurance is a reference to the Italian city of Florence. Curiously, in the region there are other such references to cities in Europe, such as Geaune (Genoa), Pavie (Pavia), Miélan (Milan), Koln (Cologne) or Plaisance (Piacenza). Fleurance was built on a hill on a regular plan. After Philippe le Bel Fleurance ceded to Edward I of England in 1287, the latter helped finance brick walls in 1292. The center of the bastide is this building which originally was supported by 28 wooden posts. The building was dilapidated and was rebuilt in 1786. This new building burnt down in 1833. The rebuilding was completed in 1850 and now sixty square stone pillars support the story and create the covered market.

Fleurance was founded as a bastide in the 13th century. It lies in the heart of the former province of Gascony. The name Fleurance is a reference to the Italian city of Florence. Curiously, in the region there are other such references to cities in Europe, such as Geaune (Genoa), Pavie (Pavia), Miélan (Milan), Koln (Cologne) or Plaisance (Piacenza). Fleurance was built on a hill on a regular plan. After Philippe le Bel Fleurance ceded to Edward I of England in 1287, the latter helped finance brick walls in 1292. A few years later, the construction of Saint-Laurent begins. The imposing church (70 m long and 35 m wide) is an example of the Southern Gothic style. The influence of Toulouse is very evident in this construction.

Saint Laurent is located away from the village of Châtel-de-Neuvre. The church occupies the top of a hill overlooking the river Allier. I learned, that the single-nave Romanesque church is one of the oldest in the department. It was built on or near the site of a Roman temple and some parts of this temple got even reused, when the church was erected. Inside is a kind of "Lourdes grotto"-

Saint Laurent is located away from the village of Châtel-de-Neuvre. The church occupies the top of a hill overlooking the river Allier. I learned, that the single-nave Romanesque church is one of the oldest in the department. It was built on or near the site of a Roman temple and some parts of this temple got even reused, when the church was erected.

Saint Laurent is located away from the village of Châtel-de-Neuvre. The church occupies the top of a hill overlooking the river Allier. I learned, that the single-nave Romanesque church is one of the oldest in the department. It was built on or near the site of a Roman temple and some parts of this temple got even reused, when the church was erected. I waited for about an hour, but nobody moved that white car away.

The ownership of the settlement was disputed between the bishops of Le Puy and the bishops of Viviers for centuries, as both wanted to build a stronghold here. Finally the bishops of Le Puy suceeded and transferred the possession in 1084 to the family of Baron de Montlaur. They stayed here upto 1441 and built the castle with a donjon and two large round towers. Later the town converted to Protestantism. In the first half of the 17th century 500 Corsican soldiers were stationed here with for mission to lead the heretics to Mass every Sunday. In 1629 Aubenas und the surrounding area were "converted". Today Aubenas has a population about 12.000. Catholics, Protestants, Moslems... Saint-Laurent is located in the center of the old town. The church underwent many alteration during the history. The neo-Romanesque facade, seen here, dates to the 19th century.

Nuclear power plants need lots water for cooling. The Loire is lined by four of these power plants. I know that Saint Laurent is really busy, being patron saint for librarians, archivists, students, brewers, charburners, glassblowers, chefs, cooks, bakers and many more. He is often shown with the gridiron on which he was tortured, saying after a while "I'm well done. Turn me over!" I actually doubt, that he is in charge for nuclear power plants.