Last week, after several visits to Alençon, we finally saw the inside of La Halle au Blé. It is, needless to say, a landmark, and is just a five minute walk from the Mairie and the Tribunal Judiciaire.
The building was built in the first decade of the 19th century - different articles offer different dates - without the glass cupola; had a fire, was rebuilt, and has existed as shown since about 1865. Its function was to be a place to store grain. Then an armorie, then a hospital. Now it’s more like a small trade center. We visited a lovely wine fair last week, and there are annual book sales and other events. They also install an ice rink for skating.
The reason why I’m writing about the Halle au Blé is simple: two nights ago we walked into our nieghbourhood épicerie and were serenaded by what I assume is Blake Shelton’s big hit.
Sure, American culture is everywhere around the globe, and a hit is a hit, but I’m more of a George Jones fan and Blake just ain’t George.
Besides, just the weekend before, a block away from the Halle au Blé we attended a lovely concert of Russian composers played by the husband and wife Duo Benzakoun.
It was the first live music concert that we’ve enjoyed since before the pandemic. Oh, what we have missed these last two plus years.