30 November 2007

Montreuil-sur-Mer


This week Jonathan and I went on a little excursion to Montreuil-sur-Mer, which is about two and half hours west of us by train. On Wednesday morning we got up before the crack of dawn and headed to the train station. We had a rather long layover in a little hole-in-the-wall town where we ate breakfast and wandered arround.
Part of the book Les Miserables takes place in Montreuil-sur-Mer, which is one reason we wanted to go there. Victor Hugo only spent like one day there, but they are very proud that he set his book in their city. There are a bunch of businesses that sport Les Miserables monikers and there are even drinks named Jean Valjean and Cosette.

There also happens to be a big Medieval castle from the 16th century that we were able to explore. It was a lot of fun because we were the only ones there, since it was freezing outside.


We had lunch in the cellar of a little brasserie. It was pretty cool because the building was really old, and the cellar had a great atmosphere. We got pizzas, but French pizzas are different. I got one with bacon, green peppers, and blue cheese, and Jonathan got one with shrimp and tuna. They were exceedingly delicious.

The one downside to Montrueil is that is has practically no stores. I have no idea where the people who live there shop.

We did, however, see a rockin' carnival.

Until next time...

3 comments:

Bree said...

Cool!

Question: was Montreuil-sur-Mer where he was the mayor of the town before he turned himself in to save the innocent man who looked like him? The longer I'm in law school, the less I seem to remember about anything else I did previously. XD

Thister said...

How fun! I am glad you are enjoying yourself there.

Are you still thinking of traveling though Germany over winter break?

Anonymous said...

I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear,, but i'm doing research on Les Miserables and i was wondering where exactly you were??! Paris, but what big cities are near Montreuil-ser Mur? I have a map of Paris and for school i must highlight all the streets in the book that were named in Les Mis. Hopefully you'll be able to help, thanks so much!