Photo Du Jour

Twin City – Part II

Back to Saint-Etienne today, for a final look around. This is a post that is probably more suited for Scaledown.ca, but I’m going to post it anyway. 🙂

Europe is a much different place than North America, and an emphasis is placed on urban environments., and being kind to the past. They have a much less disposible attitude over there, and a high emphasis is placed on dense urban walkable areas.

When I took this shot above, I caught flack from my relatives, who claimed I was taking only photos of “the worst parts of Saint-Etienne”. Since this photo was taken in 2006, the building has been fully restored. (photo taken by St. Etienne resident Sandy who posted a comment yesterday)

This is the oldest building in town.

Oooh look! A major retailer on a street downtown! Having real viable retail options goes a long way. There are many other major retailers in stand alone stores all over downtown, Benneton, etc..

Before anyone chimes in with excuses, they have a very large mall in Saint Etienne too, and a big box Ikea just outside the city too… So there are options that don’t include supporting street level retail, yet it thrives?

You’ll note the fencing all over in these photos, that is from major street work, as they were installing new streetcar rails and lines, expaning the transit network.

This is a view down the main street. Despite all the construction, there were barely any vacant storefronts.

The St. Etienne version of their Cenotaph. Just as most towns in Ontario have a Cenotaph, most French towns have a WWI Memorial.

A Twin in name, but sadly not in much else. Maybe Windsor should send the mayor and council over to see how a vibrant city does it, and how a city reinvents itself after losing its main source of employment.

Related posts
OtherPhoto Du JourWindsor

Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery

Old PhotographsOtherPhoto Du Jour

Red Beach - Dieppe France

NewsPhoto Du Jour

Happy 10th Birthday! 2003 - 2013

Photo Du JourWindsor

Coach and Horses - 1979

Recent Comments:

  • Robert McMaster on Detroit Police Country Club – Wheatley – 1926: “George Crewe’s information is not accurate. I have seen the architect’s plans for this facility. A central feature is a…Feb 8, 14:08
  • Sage on Chinee Villa: “Was excellent food! Anyone who claims not to have been impressed is just speaking on behalf of an inferior competitor.Jan 26, 15:35
  • Mare Moore on St. Dennis Hall: “Hubby, myself and a bunch of union folk attended that Feb ’80 Harry Chapin concert at St. Dennis Hall. WOSH…Jan 22, 17:31
  • Paul Leo Fortin on Hi-Ho: “Paulfortin1212@gmail.com the number of errors in the history of the fast food driv-n inWindsor in Windsor Ontario are to numerous…Jan 1, 12:44
  • Mister Man on Sprawltastic: “Well, the house on Unicorn Avenue is still up for sale, so the market hasn’t really spoken, has it?Nov 7, 09:49

15 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *