The Cardinal’s Town

As an example of 17th century town planning, Richelieu’s town is considered one of the first new towns in France. It was created by Cardinal Richelieu, scrupulously respecting the principles of symmetry, axiality and unity. The ‘Place du Marché, where our hotel is and where we are sitting in the sun with a glass of beer at the moment, and the ‘Place des Religieuses’ are linked by the ‘Grande Rue’ lined with 28 private mansions.

So here is the Cardinal himself. His castle was destroyed but just by our hotel is a gateway into the park. Gordon has had a wander through the town, but I will wait until it is cooler in the morning to have an explore, before we set off south again.

Richelieu is south of Tours - I’ve placed it on the map in case anyone is interested (or should I say the phone has placed it on the map, very clever).