L'Ile de Ré, France

 

The Ile de Ré, a small island off the French Atlantic coast, near the city of La Rochelle, is lovingly nicknamed La Blanche (the White). There are several reasons for this nickname, the white beaches, the white buildings or the oleander that looks even a shade whiter here than elsewhere, but actually it is the salt that sponsored the name.

Salt and Fleur de Sel are still gathered in the salt marshes of the island by traditional methods. Until Roman times, Ile de Ré consisted of 3 smaller islands, but the space between them was constantly filled up by silting and also by gaining salt fields from the sea.

But the main attraction of the island is the unique charm and the serenity of its a bout 17.500 inhabitants. Tourists enjoy the beautifully preserved landscapes, with cypress and pine trees, the wonderful beaches and vineyards where wine, cognac and pineau are procuded. Pineau is a delicious apéritif, blended from wine and cognac.

The old city of Saint Martin, located within the citadel, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 along with 11 other Fortifications of Vauban, all across France.

In 1987 a bridge was built that connects the island to the mainland, until then visiting the Ile de Ré was done by roll-on-roll off ferries.

It is no longer an insider tipp, thousands of tourists come for a visit each year, but Ile de Ré still a perfect place to forget about the often hectic life, to unwind and enjoy the wine and fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants.

Thank you Dieter Pech for this wonderful postcard !!!

Palace of Vaux-Le-Vicomte, France

The palace of Vaux-Le-Vicomte in the town of Maincy, about 55 km away from Paris, is an architectural masterpiece of the 17th century, built in Baroque style. It was commissioned by Nicholas Fouquet, an extremely ambitious young man and member of the Parliament of Paris. He later became superintendant of finances at the court of Louis XIV. Construction lasted until 1661. It was inaugurated in August that same year in the presence of his majesty the king. Probably not a really good idea, as the king got jealous and had Nicolas Fouquet arrested soon after this lavish festivity and sentenced him to lifelong imprisonment. His wife was sent into exile. Louis XIV put Vaux-Le-Vicomte under sequestration and sold many of the expensive pieces of art Fouquet had gathered in his splendid home. Then he set the team of architects who built and designed Vaux-Le-Vicomte on the task of building an ever bigger and more splendid palace that would outshine the one of his former minister of finances ... Versailles. Madame Fouquet later was able to recover the property and retired there with her eldest son. When her husband and son died, she sold the palace.

In 1968, after extensive restoration works, the palace was opened to the public and has become a major tourist attraction in the region.

Thank you very much for this beautiful card Karine !!!

 

Albi, Episcopal City, France (UNESCO)

The Episcopal City of Albi is located in the south of France. In 2010 the city around the cathedral Sainte-Cécile was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The cathedral is a masterpiece of the Southern Gothic style and considered as the largest brick cathedral in the world. The Palais de la Berbie, now accomodating the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum,  was completed in the late 13th century, which makes it even older than the Palais des Papes in Avignon. The Old Bridge, as seen on the card, is still the one that was originally built in 1035 when Albi expanded to the oposite side of the river Tarn. It spans 151 meters and rests on 8 impressive arches. Later it was clad in brick and reinforced.
The city's most famous son is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The French painter and illustrator was born in Albi in 1864.
Thank you Axel van Looy for this fantastic postcard !!!!

Saint-Cast, France

My parents sent this beautiful areal view of Saint-Cast at the Cote d'Armor in Brittany, France.

Cordouan Lighthouse (Phare de Cardouan), France

The Cordouan Lighthouse is by far the oldest in France. It is located at the Gironde estuary and still active. Construction started in 1584 and it was finished and first lit in 1611.
This great card with beautiful stamp was sent by Monika and Dieter Pech.

Lyon and Mapcard, France (UNESCO)

Great card coming from Jean-Michel Ermide showing a map of the Arrondissement Lyon and pictures of the city. Lyon was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Mont Saint-Michel, France (UNESCO)

Beautiful view of the Mont Saint-Michel in France sent by my parents. Since the 8th century the tidal iland just 600 meters off the French coast, has been the seat of a monastery. During low tide the pilgrims can reach the island on dry feet.
The Mont Saint-Michel and its bay was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979

La Bouillabaisse the Marseille, France

This postcard I found on a rack at the Marseille harbour and just had to have it for my collection. I am not a fish lover, but I loved the card and the typical recipe.

Marseille, Chateau d'If, France

This card I sent from our Mediterranean cruise.  The Chateau d'If is a fortress and prison on a small island just a mile off the coast of Marseille.  Like in Alcatraz, it is said to be near impossible to escape this island, due to dangeours currents in the bay. It became famous through Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Count of Monte Christo".

Honfleur, France

Beautiful postcard sent by my parents from their Trip to northern France. It shows one of the alleys around the old harbour in Honfleur. The city used to be a major transit point for wares going to England.

Mont Saint Michel, France (UNESCO)

My parents sent me this postcard showing one of the most famous French landmarks. The Mont Saint-Michel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its location is unique, just a few hundered meters away from the coast, accessible on food during low tide, an island during high tide.

Disneyland Paris, France

Normally I am not into Cartoon cards, but this one is really dear to me. It was sent by my grandsons Lucas and Nico when they were spending a few days at Disneyland Paris :)

Loire Valley Map Card, France (UNESCO)

Wonderful addition for my mapcard collection!  The card took a detour via Canada to reach me. It was sent by Janet for a Postcrossing Tag.
It shows the location of the different palaces in the Loire Valley

Cannes, France

Great view of the beach and city of Cannes at the French Riviera.  The city is famous for the  International Film Festival and a place where you can easily meet VIP's while walking the streets or at the beach.
The card was sent by my parents from trip to the French Riviera.

Le Canal du Midi, France (UNESCO)

The Canal du Midi is located in Southern France. Construction began in 1667 and was completed in 1681. It was considered to be among the greatest constuction works of the 17th century. In 1996 it was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This beautiful card was sent by Axle von Looy for the WiP UNESCO Swap.

Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille, France

I found this awesome postcard during our Mediterranean cruise and had to send it home for my collection.
It shows the wonderful Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde on a hill overlooking Marseille. It was consecrated in 1864.

Chateau d'If, Marseille, France

The Chateau d'If is a fortress on the island of If in the bay of Marseille. The fortress was built in order to protect the city and was later transformed into a prison. The location on the clifflike island in addition to the strong currents in the sea made an escape almost.
The postcard I sent from our cruise.

Marseille, France

Marseille is the second largest city in France and the most important sea harbour of the country. On the card you see the old port, and on the top of the hill the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde.
This card I sent home for my collection from our Mediterranean cruise.

Bartholdi Fountain, Lyon, France (UNESCO)

 Bartholdi Fountain is located on the Place des Terraux, which belongs to the part of Lyon classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It was designed by the same artist who also created the Statue of Liberty, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
This great card was sent by Jean-Michel Ermide for the WiP "I spy a fountain" swap.

Phare de Cordouan, France

This great postcard shows the Lighthouse of Cordouan. It is by far the oldest lighthouse in France and is located on the Gironde estuary in Western France. Construction started in 1584 and finished in 1611.
The card was sent by Monika and Dieter Pech.