Grenoble Wednesday

Although we had a long (3 ½ hours) drive along narrow winding roads to get to Grenoble, we wanted to spend time in Le Puy-en-Velay and have a good look around. We found a very convenient underground car park, with Tourist Info nearby. We had a very good paper map and followed it through some of the picturesque old town streets.

We had a steep walk up the hill through the streets to the cathedral’s long flight of approach steps. Didn’t stop there did it. Once inside the building, there was another flight of steps that ended inside the cathedral, around the middle. We assume that, because of the height, steepness and location of the cathedral, finishing the steps in the middle of the cathedral was the only way access could be provided. Le Puy-en-Velay and, of course the cathedral is on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, so there were many people around. Who knows how many are genuine pilgrims. It certainly is an imposing structure, both inside and out.

Then it was time to tackle the steep path and steps to climb up to the statue of Notre Dame de France.  The statue itself is 22.7 metres high and was constructed from the cast iron of 213 cannons taken from the Russian enemy during the Crimean war in 1855. The iron statue is 110 tons, the stone pedestal 680 tons. Once at the base of the statue, there are 262 steps to look out a dome inside the crown of stars. Concrete spiral stairs to start, then a narrower steel spiral. The climb to the base, then up inside certainly worked off breakfast. Very comprehensive bolting system for all the pieces.

Coffee in Place de Clauzel, where there were many colourful displays of flowers. Many squares, bridges and light poles in many places had flower displays. Makes the place look cheerful and bright.

Back to the car for the drive to Grenoble. Impressive mountains (part of the Alps) as we drove in. We intend leaving the car in the hotel car park tomorrow morning and catching the tram into town. Wonder if the trams are like our new ones, which were built in La Rochelle, France.