Montpellier, being a civilised sort of place, has two opera houses. We went to visit the older one today, built on the 1880s on the site where two others had burnt down. Coincidentally, both whilst Hamlet was on. It won’t be done again – for obvious reasons.
The tour was led by a very nervous student who gabbled through the information and had to refer to her notes throughout. I’m sure she will improve.
It is quite a small opera house (60 in the pit, no Wagner) and was notable at the time (the 1880s) for having electricity throughout. The highlight of the lighting is the 1.8 tonne chandelier which has its own room above the ceiling into which it is winched for cleaning.
The other lights are very fine as well. The ceiling over the staircase. There is sort of a whispering gallery under the staircase whereby you can stand behind a statue on one side and, talking, be heard by someone standing behind the statue on the other. View down La Place de la Comedie through the main windows in the bar. This is the ceiling of the bar. You can see where they have done an experimental clean to remove 100 years of cigarette smoke. The stage from the first balcony with some sort of technical rehearsal going on.
Then we had lunch – meals are important – and wandered around a bit.
Small cafe au lait.Moules et frites. This is the Antigone district, a purpose built area with flats, offices etc all with classical motifs. See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigone,_Montpellier. These mosaics are quite common around the town although these ones seem particularly effective. The character in the middle seems puzzled to have come up where he has!
Meanwhile, back in the centre of town……
This block of flats is known as the White Tree because of the balconies. One of the surviving 12thC gates. Known as the Observatory. 18thC bath house – now a restaurant.
Hi We’re enjoying reading your posts. The photos are so clear – iPhone ? – and just enough to keep me reading and looking forward to them. Montpellier looks lovely. Looks like a great holiday and an interesting tour. We’re off to Seville on Tuesday for a week. A last minute change of BA flight means an early start from Heathrow rather than a late afternoon flight on Tuesday. Visit mum today. Continue having a great time. Best wishes to Ann. Look forward to seeing you soon. From Ann to Anns, Enjoy 😎 xxx
The Retirement Travels 
Hi We’re enjoying reading your posts. The photos are so clear – iPhone ? – and just enough to keep me reading and looking forward to them. Montpellier looks lovely. Looks like a great holiday and an interesting tour. We’re off to Seville on Tuesday for a week. A last minute change of BA flight means an early start from Heathrow rather than a late afternoon flight on Tuesday. Visit mum today. Continue having a great time. Best wishes to Ann. Look forward to seeing you soon. From Ann to Anns, Enjoy 😎 xxx
Sent from my iPhone
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