47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />The lockdown period in France has come to a timid end, so the series of archive photos Invisible Bordeaux was publishing daily on Instagram and Twitter is now also in the past. Here are the final seven pictures which were published, following on from the four previous sets available here, here, here, and, oh, here. As you will have realised, some had already featured on the blog, others had just been sitting on my hard drive, starting with this magnificent bow window and accompanying ceramic tile features. They belong to a bizarre micro-villa known as "Villa Quand-Même et Mépris", built in 1930 by local butcher A. Naturel (hence the A.N.), which even got its very own blog post some time ago! Even more spectacular is the remarkable Réservoir de Lavardens in Talence, a surprising 1927 reinforced concrete structure that is unlike anything else in the area. It was recently mentioned on the blog in the run-down of water towers in the area.
47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />Sticking with serious urban exploration, here we are in Soulac-sur-Mer, naughtily trespassing inside one of the derelict ground-floor apartments of the famously abandoned Signal residence on the seafront. What a fine view of the Atlantic ocean the residents once enjoyed! You can read about the apartment block's troubled recent history here.
47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />To stay in a high-rise mood, here is part of Cité Pinçon in the Bastide district of Bordeaux, which combines with the neighbouring buildings of Cité Blanche to form la Cité-Jardin de la Benauge. This and its twin building are also known as “les paquebots” (ocean liners). The complex was a case study in 1950s urban planning, as detailed here.
47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />Next, we're off to Le Bouscat for this panoramic view of the 7,000-capacity Stade Sainte-Germaine in Le Bouscat. First built in the 1890s, it has always been the permanent home of Stade Bordelais sports club, and today also hosts matches played by FC Girondins reserves and women’s teams.
47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />Here's a multi-layered ghostsign in Carbon-Blanc that over the years promoted Meubles Bayle, a furniture outlet founded in Bordeaux in 1854. The “ET, Bx.” probably referred to Cours d’Albret in Bordeaux where their flagship store was located for many years. The Bayle concept has changed now and the group owns 13 outlets operating under various brands that make up the “Village du Meuble” in the Mérignac retail park.
47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />And this meandering, random, 47-picture adventure ends up at a location where many journeys also end or, indeed, begin: Saint-Jean railway station in Bordeaux. This is a detail from the exterior of Café du Levant, the 1896-founded brasserie opposite the station whose distinctly oriental façade adds a bit of exotic colour to the landscape!
47)" />47)" />47)" border="0" title="Final set of lockdown period random archive photos (41>47)" />> First selection of random archive photos available here!
> Second selection of random archive photos available here!
> Third selection of random archive photos available, yes, you've guessed it, here! > Don't stop now, the fourth compilation is here!
> Ce dossier sera bientôt disponible en français !
