In these quiet alleyways, life is probably sweeter than elsewhere....
20 kilometers of alleys....
The Vaupulant district, whose name perhaps recalls an opulent valley, the Saint-Marc district, is in all about ten districts that make up these out-of-town, out-of-time spaces....
They are criss-crossed by about 20 kilometres of alleyways, these old paths that once snaked through the vines, no wider than a wheelbarrow!
Their name evokes professions... venelle de la Couture, venelle du Moulin, venelle de la tuilerie, venelle de la refinerie... or vegetable elements, among others... venelle des colchiques, venelle des bleuets, venelles des vignes...
Along the alleys, the first constructions
It was around 1870 that the first constructions appeared, in a rather anarchic way, it must be said!
This "urbanization" has developed little by little, without running water or sewerage, but obviously, under the onslaught of rising tides of washing machines and showers at all hours, the whole thing has gradually fallen asleep.
And then, all this reflection, this very friendly life, the biodiversity of these gardens, this inventiveness that could inspire many eco-neighbourhood designers, in the end, it's not so bad...
So, little by little, life has come back, the steps make the gravel of the paths crumble again, and the lanterns light up the neighbours' parties!
Before you get lost with nostalgia and fun, take a look at the website of the association Les Vent'Ailes, or contact these lovers of their small preserved universe...
Association Les Ven'Ailes
19, venelle des Vaupulents,
45000 Orléans
venailes45@gmail.com
https://venailes.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/venailes/
Orléans Val de Loire Tourisme
SPL Orléans Val de Loire Tourisme
2, place de l’Étape
45000 Orléans
Tél. : 02 38 24 05 05
Click on the image
Click on the image
