Environs
Environs de La Seyne sur Mer
North: Ollioules
East: Toulon, Plage de l'Estagnol, Hyeres, Frejus
West: Six Fours les Plages, Sanary sur Mer, Bandol, St Cyr sur Mer, La Ciotat, Cassis , Les Calanques
South: St. Mandrier, Iles de Porquerolles, the Mediterranean
Six Fours les Plages
The Notre Dame de Pepiole chapel outside of Six Fours les Plages. This is a Merovingian romanesque chapel with origins as far back as the 6th century and present structure dating to the 12th century. It was restored in 1956 with the support of the Maredsous monastery in Belgium, well known there for their excellent beers and cheese, which are eaten together there. Beer and cheese? Very un-French and would never be done in the Var, but their funding of the restoration is undoubtedly appreciated.
The fort above Six Fours les Plages. As I recall, we could see it from La Seyne.
Sanary sur Mer
Bandol
Is this Hotel Pieds Dans l'Eau? If so, it appears to be private apartments these days. I seem to recall the winding driveway right off the busy coastal road.
Cassis
Local Legend: Cassis, St Cyr sur Mer, and the Statue of Liberty
Locals claim the stone for the pedestal of New York's Statue of Liberty is Cassis limestone, locally appreciated for its rosy-white color and resistance to weathering. Although it seems unlikely so much stone would be quarried in France and shipped across the Atlantic, especially with plenty of stone available from quarries in New England, the local lore was influential enough to inspire a wealthy benefactor, Anatole Ducros, to place a replica of the Statue of Liberty in the square of St Cyr sur Mer in 1913. It commemorates the installation of public water works in the town and the freedom this convenience would bring to its citizens. At 2.5 meters tall, it is roughly the same size as the index finger of New York's statue.
As I recall, we came across this gem by chance on our way to Ollioules for lunch. Having just come from NYC, it was a special coincidence, indeed. (Or was it? Does anyone remember?)
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La Ciotat
Bernard Hinault got in a fist fight with striking shipyard workers from La Ciotat, as the Tour du Mediterannee passed through in 1984. They disrupted the race, something that happens on occasion, to gain exposure for their cause. Hinault felt no solidarity with the people, as it were, and resorted to fists before anyone could stop him. He did so more than once in later years when imposters made appearances on the Tour de France daily stage podium, over which he presided until 2017.
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| Maps above and below courtesy of Google Maps |
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| The satellite image shows the density of development in the region. |
North: Ollioules
East: Toulon, Plage de l'Estagnol, Hyeres, Frejus
West: Six Fours les Plages, Sanary sur Mer, Bandol, St Cyr sur Mer, La Ciotat, Cassis , Les Calanques
South: St. Mandrier, Iles de Porquerolles, the Mediterranean
Six Fours les Plages
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| Notre Dame de Pepiole near Six Fours les Plages |
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| Photos and information courtesy of La France Medievale blogsite. |
The fort above Six Fours les Plages. As I recall, we could see it from La Seyne.
Sanary sur Mer
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| Port of Sanary sur Mer |
Is this Hotel Pieds Dans l'Eau? If so, it appears to be private apartments these days. I seem to recall the winding driveway right off the busy coastal road.
Cassis
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Port of Cassis
Paintings of Cassis done at turn of the century by French painter Charles Canoin.
Images courtesy of art net.com.
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| Limestone coastline near les calanques of Cassis. |
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| Lovely cove and beach at one of the "calanques." |
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| Image of one "calanque" courtesy of Google Maps |
Local Legend: Cassis, St Cyr sur Mer, and the Statue of Liberty
Locals claim the stone for the pedestal of New York's Statue of Liberty is Cassis limestone, locally appreciated for its rosy-white color and resistance to weathering. Although it seems unlikely so much stone would be quarried in France and shipped across the Atlantic, especially with plenty of stone available from quarries in New England, the local lore was influential enough to inspire a wealthy benefactor, Anatole Ducros, to place a replica of the Statue of Liberty in the square of St Cyr sur Mer in 1913. It commemorates the installation of public water works in the town and the freedom this convenience would bring to its citizens. At 2.5 meters tall, it is roughly the same size as the index finger of New York's statue.
As I recall, we came across this gem by chance on our way to Ollioules for lunch. Having just come from NYC, it was a special coincidence, indeed. (Or was it? Does anyone remember?)
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| What is the source of the pedestal stone? |
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| We could see the Statue of Liberty across the water from Governors Island. I only recall one visit to Liberty Island, when we were very young. |
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| The pedestal uses rather a lot of stone. It seems unlikely it was quarried in Cassis and shipped to the United States. |
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| Lovely Lady Liberty. |
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| The square of St Cyr sur Mer. |
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| A lovely companion for folks enjoying a cafe. |
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| Gleaming gold plating over a led core. |
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| A vintage postcard shows the St Cyr Statue de la Liberte. |
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| And there are other replicas. Can anyone guess where this one is located? |
Bernard Hinault got in a fist fight with striking shipyard workers from La Ciotat, as the Tour du Mediterannee passed through in 1984. They disrupted the race, something that happens on occasion, to gain exposure for their cause. Hinault felt no solidarity with the people, as it were, and resorted to fists before anyone could stop him. He did so more than once in later years when imposters made appearances on the Tour de France daily stage podium, over which he presided until 2017.
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| Apparently, fists were flying before any friendly negotiations could be held! |
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| The Badger is a hot-head and no pugilist. Terrible form and the evening newsreel showed he did not fare well in the scuffle. |
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| Phil Anderson looks like he doesn't really want to get involved. |
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| This fellow is not the stage winner of the day. |
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| This one is not part of the Tour organization. |
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