It’s never too early to learn the art of architecture. Municipalities, tourist offices and the Council for Architecture, Town Planning and the Environment of Charente-Maritime (CAUE 17) multiply the opportunities through visits, workshops and conferences. The complete program is available on the website of the Council for Architecture, Town Planning and the Environment. Here are three outing ideas.
Young architect workshop in Royan
Royan, which recently acquired an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center (Ciap) in a completely renovated Palais des Congrès, organizes educational workshops for children. One of them is particularly aimed at future architects since 7-9 year olds are invited to design nothing less than a model inspired by the Notre-Dame church. This jewel of contemporary architecture made from a veil of concrete bears the signature of Guillaume Gillet whose career will be discussed in the preamble to the workshop. Monday April 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Ciap, on the ground floor of the Palais des congrès. Price: 4.50 euros. Information at 05.46.39.94.45.
Rue Saint-Michel de Saintes
In Saintes, among the activities, an urban walk is organized by the Heritage Department. It will tell visitors the rich and old history of rue Saint-Michel which runs through the city center not far from the cathedral and the Charente. With its Italian street feel, it hosted one of the first theaters in Saintes and one of the most famous brothels in the city. Today, it is a place for walks where second-hand dealers and terraces are located. Thursday April 25 at 16. Full price: 5 euros. Reservation recommended at 05.46.92.34.26.
The “transbo” in Rochefort
In Rochefort, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the transporter bridge which spans the Charente to Échillais. The venerable structure is now the last in France and it celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2020 after a major rehabilitation. Movie fans remember him as the star of the opening scene of Jacques Demy’s film “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort.” It is classified as a Historic Monument and a new building, “The Transborder Terraces”, was added this year. Built on stilts, it offers a view of the bridge and the landscape. The Rochefort heritage service organizes a visit on Monday April 29 between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Free.
