Maison Carree (imagine there’s an accent on that second to last ‘e’) was built around 4 A.D. as a temple to honour Emperor Augustus’ two adopted sons. It sits at the centre of Nimes, surrounded by cafes and adjacent to the Carre d’Art (housing the library and Musee d’Art Contemporain).
Here’s what I know: In Europe there is a there, there. In Canada? Not so much.
In Canada we are lacking true centres – hearts – to our cities. Even small towns here in France will have a square, where you will find the church, the cafe and, if it’s at all large enough, the carousel.
I am willing to skip the carousels in Canada, but please, couldn’t we have a gathering place that’s not a mall?
What about that plan?
I heartedly concur! Karl and i have always had the theory that it is the reason that North American’s are drawn in droves to European cities and towns. Even if we can’t understand what is being said it is wonderful to feel a part of it all. Enjoy!
Exactly Barb. I just love sitting there and absorbing it all. I feel like a cat on a ledge, just soaking up the soleil…sigh.
In Vancouver, ‘dearee, it is called Robson Square’!
I’m guessing the Art Gallery (Georgia st.) wouldn’t pass the muster.
Or how about the downtown ‘Cenotaph’ (?).
Where what ails you is sure to be just a ‘fix’ away.
Please! Keep posting the pics Colleen. I feel more of need to explore
my ‘frenchieness’ now more than ever. Salut.
Hey Mr. Claude. You need to get over here stat! You would have a blast with your language skills.
And Robson Square isn’t quite ‘it’. I’m talking about a place, a centre in every little town where you are bound to run into your friends and enjoy an espresso. It’s so cool.