Reflection in a traffic mirror at Montreuil-sur-Mer, France. Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables is said to have been inspired by his September 1837 visit to Montreuil-sur-Mer.
Each year, Hugo's Les Miserables is performed in an outdoor son et lumière show at the end of July and beginning of August.
The distinctive late 18th-century and early 19th-century architecture and cobblestoned streets remain largely unchanged from Hugo's day.
The late-afternoon light highlights the brickwork and crooked shutters. Flower-filled window boxes are de rigueur in this "ville fleurie."
House numbers at the second-floor level.
One of Montreuil-sur-Mer's oldest hotels.
Photo taken from steps leading from the ramparts down to a main street.
The 11th-century St. Saulve Abbey, photographed in early morning light Sept. 2, 2011 from a window at L'Hermitage.
"I met in the street a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, his cloak was out at the elbows, the water passed through his shoes - and the stars through his soul." - Victor Hugo
Oh, what a quote...
Posted by: Chris | 20 September 2011 at 01:45
Just watched the Les Miz concert last night on PBS. Looking forward to visiting his home next spring in Paris. But it's fun to see the buildings that would be "in" the show if the show had that sort of thing! Thanks!
Posted by: jeanie | 17 September 2011 at 18:52
Your images pair nicely with the words you've chosen to quote too...oh love that about the stars through the soul!!! Wonderful.
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 14 September 2011 at 02:12
Beautiful.....
Posted by: martha ann sloan | 13 September 2011 at 15:08
"and the stars through his soul"
What a beautiful place!
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 12 September 2011 at 19:56
Barbara, then this post must be a sign for you to read it. :) Thanks for the kind words.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 September 2011 at 19:15
Would you believe a copy of "Les Miserables" is on my dining table next to my placemat??? I'm trying to rectify the fact I've not read it yet. Sigh. These photos and that quote are providing beautiful motivation! Thanks ;0
Posted by: Barbara | 12 September 2011 at 18:55
Gorgeous! I would love visiting here. Your photos do entice me to come.
Posted by: Marilyn | 12 September 2011 at 18:36