LA MUSARDIERE

The belffrey

by JLBG

In "Rue Droite" (Strait Street), the main shopping street the belfry, 42 meters high is what remains of the ancient castle of the Viscounts of Millau. The lowest part was built on a square pattern in the XIIth century. In the XIIIth, it was sold to a middle-class family. The city buys it in august 1613 for 4000 "livres Tournois" (pounds) to build on it a watch tower. this top was built on an octagonal pattern in 1615 and was 50 m high. On july 29th 1811, a thunderstorm knocked down the spire which was replaced by a terrace. From the top, the sight is superb on the city and surroundings.

The covered market

by JLBG

The covered market was designed by Baltard, built at the end of the XIXth century and open on january 1st 1899. It is an example of the most modern architecture of that period, based on steel structures such as the Eiffel tower in Paris and as the now destroyed ''Halles'' of Paris, also designed by Baltard.

Montpellier-le-Vieux

by JLBG

Montpellier-le-Vieux by JLBG
The chaos of Montpellier-le-Vieux is a dozen kilometers from Millau. It can be visited, hiking on the numerous trails that have been drawn. There is also a little train that brings to the most interesting places. On the day of our visit, the weather was very bad, with occasional showers. We choose the little train as it had one carriage with a cover ! Due to these conditions, the pictures are not of very good quality. We will go back another day (hopefully sunny day) and better walk the chaos.

Southwards view from the belvedere

by JLBG

This picture shows the southwards view from the belvedere. In this direction, all the rocks have been deeply carved by erosion and offer the most typical aspect of the chaos with a labyrinth of dry rocks with rich vegetation growing in each crack.

Millau

by SirDinadan

"Le vieux Millau"

I was lucky enough to be staying with a friend "born and bred" in Millau who has an appartment right in the historic centre. If you are planning a trip to Millau, go on Tuesday for the lovely indoor and outdoor market. Try the walnut and roquefort bread - it was delicious and will keep for days.

"L' economie par la qualite"

If you are shopping for linens, curtain fabric, towels or bedding (!), have a browse in Henri Arlabosse's shop with its magnificent wooden shutters and its interior, which has retained its charming, magnificently carved wooden cashdesk. In fact, much of old Millau has retained its charm.