Now & then

Photo 1 by Blandine: The remains of the ramparts of Courpière

During the Middle-Ages, Courpière was surrounded by ramparts; in 2010, most of what remained collapsed, destroying dwellings below. In 2014, work was undertaken to rebuild the fallen piece of the rampart. I am looking forward to the inauguration ceremony. In Courpière, we are lucky to have a rich cultural heritage.

Photo 2 by Gaëtan: The last tower

Of the six or seven towers that dotted the ramparts built to protect the town in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, only the imposing round tower of Las Domnas remains today. The staircase that comes down from the postern (the pedestrian entrance adjoining the tower) opens out on a breath-taking view of the valley of the Dore at the foot of the ramparts. I come here often with my family to admire the view and have a picnic in the park below.

Photo 3 by Gaëtan: The park

In winter, the park below the tower and ramparts is a little sad. In summer, it’s a happy and safe place to play.

Photo 4 by Auriane: The old bridge over the Dore

This photo shows perfectly the elements that make up Courpière for me: the calm river sliding through the mysterious shadows of tall trees and very old buildings.

Photo 5 by Noëllia: The church

The church is, for me, the most beautiful building in Courpière. It is the place of worship for my family and friends.

Photo 6 by Raphaël: The War monument

For me, this central square, through which I pass every day, captures the spirit of place of Courpière. The narrow streets and shuttered buildings radiate out from the square, at the centre of which is this imposing monument to the fallen of the First Word War (put up in 1920). The bronze statue of a victorious soldier is by Eugène Benetis. There are thousands of sculptures in a similar style all over France.

Photo 7 by Camille M.: My primary school

Every year, I go back to my primary school with my friends to celebrate the school Saint’s day. We go to the park after the ceremony and have fun building dams with stones from the river, like we used to when we were small. For me, it's always a happy moment.

Photo 8 by Camille M.: My school at the top of the hill

This picture makes me think back on all the years spent with my friends, working hard to succeed.

Photo 9 by Héléna: The view from my classroom

The spirit of a place refers to the unique, distinctive and cherished aspects of a place; what that place means to us. I associate Courpière mostly with school because school is the main reason I go there. I like to look at the old nooks and spooky crannies of the town from the school bus. My photo is of the view from my classroom. I have been here two years but I never get bored of the beautiful landscape; it makes me wish I was outside rather than stuck indoors working! But I am lucky because some schools are sad and in polluted cities.

Photo 10 by Thomas: Sunrise at school

I’ve been at boarding school here for the past two years, so Courpière for me is the place where I acquire knowledge and a bit of wisdom. I now know better who I am and what I want to become; school has helped me to enjoy the moment, to shape my thoughts and made me a better person I think. This is why I took this picture; dawn is a symbol of rebirth! Courpière is where I have become more grown up. I’ll never forget this place or the people I have met here.

Photo 11 by Thomas: View from our school

This photo is a bit off-kilter, but when I look at the blue sky, the very bright sunlight, the trees, and the mist in the background, it reminds me of special moments. I took it during a break between classes; I was very relaxed, in a kind of deep, perfect, slow calm, with the sun on my face. The playground is a place where I can laugh with my friends, sit on a bench and just enjoy the moment, with everything in its place.