Like most French schools, Collège la Champ de la Motte has a classroom building and a separate cafeteria, a large playground, and a separate gymnasium. The whole complex is surrounded by a fence so students can't escape. Kids go to school from 8:30 until 4:30 every weekday except Wednesday, when they only go in the morning. You aren't allowed to bring a bag lunch, so kids either go home or eat the school meal, which is typically very good. There are no school buses, so city buses or tour bus companies provide transportation.
The town of Langeais is primarily residential, with a small downtown, and a large medieval castle, notable as the location of the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne. The homes and shops in the downtown are also quite old, but the area around the collège has only been developed in the last decade or so.
A view of the town from above.
The castle of Langeais seen from the main street.
The Mairie, or Town Hall.
The street leading up to the castle entrance is lined with small shops, including a tea room and chocolaterie. 
The cultural center with Christmas decorations out front.
The castle in Langeais is the only one in the region with a drawbridge.
The remains of a dungeon constructed by Fulque Nerra (who you may remember from a previous post as architect of the Donjon of Montbazon and wife-burner). Langeais and Montbazon are apparently locked in a feud over whose dungeon is older. View Larger Map
1 comment:
As with the other small old towns in France, Langeais is quite idyllic. And I can tell from the pics that the houses and castle are very well preserved. Most people would want to escape their busy city lives just to stay at this heritage-filled town. The age-old houses with intricate roofing, the suburban breeze – what can go wrong?
It's surprising though that the local school won't allow bringing in packed lunch.
Post a Comment