We had passed the picturesque Auvergnat village of Montpeyroux so many times before on our way to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, intending to stop and visit. But time after time, we just glanced from the car window as we drove by. This year, we finally managed to set a day aside to explore this charming place.
Montpeyroux is classifies as one of 156 of the 'prettiest villages in France' and it definitely merits its place on that list. Situated an top of a hill, Montperoux's ancient stone houses, some dating from the early 1100's, along winding cobblestoned streets. Right in the center of this medieval village, there stands a dungeon from the XIII. century, from which, if you dare climb its winding stone steps, one has the most amazing views of the famous Chaîne Des Puys, or chain of volcanos, which dominate the landscape of the Auvergne.
Once populated by stone masons and wine makers, Montpeyroux has now become home to many artists and artisans. It has about 350 inhabitants. The houses have been lovingly restored and the most beautiful flowers grow everywhere in the village.
What I admire more than anything here in France is the love of history, the respect for what came before and the tireless effort to preserve this rich past.
Though Montpeyroux is obviously quite a bit older than Carroll Gardens, our own Brooklyn neighborhood, deserves the same respect and the same preservation for future generations.
Wouldn't you say?
Yes, Katia, our neighborhood deserves the same respect and same preservation. Real estate development pressures are much tougher in NYC, and the playing field is not level (the real estate lobby being the strongest), and is, sorry to say, corrupted. People really have to fight. But it's worth it to preserve the quality of life we want and enjoy. A quality that is diminished by larger scale. I aways breathe a sigh of relief when I return to our neighborhood from Manhattan.
ReplyDeleteAlways someone turns a beautiful post from the French countryside into a real estate rant. In any event, yes, I am pleased our neighborhood has escaped so far the towers
ReplyDeleteAnd glass of new buildings, but can't we just say that Montpeyroux is the most lovely and calming place? Considering the history if France and Europe in general during The War? That this town can rediscover its original
skin and harmonize with the geography it is plunked down on. Katia, just lovely.
Montpeyroux looks stunning in your photos Katia! I would love to visit. So much of Europe respects and preserves it's history, plus the landscape here is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteReal Estate Rant? You Betcha! That's how we are going to preserve our neighborhood. I have seen the buildings redone with glass exteriors. They look horrid. Katia reminds us by these beautiful pictures that we have to fight to keep our history.
ReplyDelete