Today was the Feast of the Annunciation, a national holiday in France!! The streets were deserted this morning and very few businesses were open, just a few cafes and boulangeries and of course, the Monoprix.

Got some breakfast and went across the river to the Doutre district, the oldest part of town. Many old buildings there; the 16th century Apothecary of Simon Poisson with carved wooden figures on the facade representing science, splendor, friendship and generosity, still has a pharmacy active on the rez-de-chausee!!

The vast buildings of the 12th century Hospital of St Jean, one of the oldest hospitals in France, still in use until 1865, is now home to the "Chant du Monde" tapestries by Jean Lurcat. These were created from 1957-1966, intended to be a modern day version of the Apocalypse Tapestries. They deal with the destruction of earth by an atomic bomb and subsequent rebirth. The museum also has other textile art from 1940's to present AND was showing the XI "Triennale Internationnale des Mini-Textiles." (see my choice for best in show, titled 'The Birth of Painting')

Picnic at the old port. Lots of locals there on this holiday. Recrossed the river and meandered through streets we hadn't walked before, still fairly deserted, most businesses closed AND lots of restaurants starting their final week of vacation. ("see you on 22 Aout" said the sign in oh so many windows.)

Spent time reading by the fountain in the Jardin de Mail (beautiful early evening weather) then had dinner at the Black Peat, a Scottish pub across the street from the hotel.

Walked - 6.4 miles

Drove - zero km