Blog During the Lockdown: Things around Quillan that I Rarely Notice

BLOGGING DURING THE LOCKDOWN AFTER THE CURFEW AFTER THE LOCKDOWN: Things around Quillan that I rarely notice.

Quillan is a welcoming place. Entering Quillan on D117 from the northeast, a roundabout slows traffic. Take the first exit into the commercial district, the second heads toward the center of the village, the third exit goes into the parking area for the lakes at St. Bertrand, and the fourth exit leads up the hill to Brantalou. In the center is a cool fountain with a leaping trout and water flowing down a series of small falls. This represents the Aude River’s fame as a trout fisherman’s paradise. Rarely do I notice the statue of the trout, but it is there as a proud symbol of one element of life in Quillan. It’s not that I am blind or lack powers of observation…I believe that the vast majority of citizens of the Haute Valley are like me. Other things capture their mind and therefore their eyes or they simply take for granted what a neat place we call home. What other things are routinely overlooked?

Just beyond the gendarmerie rests a series of concrete forms. I had noticed the strange shapes and assumed that it was just another example of modern art which is not meant to be understood, especially by me. Walking past the place recently I was shocked to discover (by myself, no cheating was necessary) that the seemingly nondescript forms actually are two rugby teams battling. The ball rests near the players. Not surprisingly this is a tribute to the long celebrated history of the game in Quillan and its importance within the French Union, including the championship game of 1927-28. An accompanying sign suggests that the statues have been in place since 1929. It is done in right angles and though I suspect this never was considered symbolic of the game, concrete from head to foot. After banging into each other for two forty minute periods, their heads should be like cement.

A third welcoming oasis is located at the five point corner where D118 heads up the Col toward Puivert. It boasts another fountain, and though I’ve been past it many times I must admit I don’t know what it represents. The main slab extends over other rock formations and the water of the fountain pours off it.

Not far from there in front of the gym and swimming pool is a neat little garden. No fountain, but a beautiful landscape separates the road from the parking area. I’ve passed there hundreds of times but only recently noticed it.

On the promenade outside the entrance to Banc Agricole is the statue of a goddess. She stands elegantly made of cast metal reaching several meters in height. I walk by it regularly but rarely notice her and I have yet to find anyone who knows who she is or why she is located there. I’m certain that when this blog is published some citizen will offer an answer and she will remain anonymous no longer. Farther down the street is the memorial to WWI members of the French military from Quillan who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

At the entrance to Pont Suzanne (the blue bridge) is a marker featuring when the span was completed. Compared to most things in the town it is a new addition, having been added in 1927. It states that no camions (lorries for you Brits, semis for us Americans) over five tons can safely use the span. When were there trucks under five tons?

At the old bridge (The Palace Bridge) is a marker among the flowers which grow wild in the stone façade. The year 1853 does not refer to when it was built but rather where one of the great floods of history crested. Other marks appear elsewhere in the older part of the village recognizing how high the water reached during a flood. A couple of them are of really scary high water.

At present signs welcome visitors but are really intended to remind everyone that the fourteenth stage of the Tour de France arrives July 10th. The cut out images of racing bicycles are positioned to emphasize individual efforts required for the cyclists and honor committees within the community preparing for the worldwide exposure when the event arrives on our doorstep. The finish line has been marked on D117 opposite the gare with a bold X, signaling the end of a 200 kilometer day of hills, some quite formidable. Just recently, the finish line has been painted with the welcoming message that hovering helicopters will record into Quillan history as the racers cross the line and banners have been hung.

Also here and there about Quillan are newly constructed park areas, making pleasant oases out of previous eyesores. The promenade’s face lift, the retaining wall near the old bridge, the redone sitting respite along D117 and the removal of centuries old property near Place de la Republic, replaced with restroom facilities and seating area have all been completed within the last two years. The front entryway to the cultural center is being upgraded and a small amphitheater will entertain acts adjacent to the Aude.

All these are elements of the progressive place to live that is Quillan, France. Friends often join in discussion of how fortunate we all are to have decided to settle here. Most of us were not intending to land in this village, but some strange attraction made the decision easy. Now if the virus would relent, we could enjoy the friendly gem of the town in which we live. It’s almost summer and the fetes await.