Readings in the vegetable patch

As part of the ‘Lundis de l’Arsenal’ series, why not treat yourself to a break at the end of the day under the cherry tree in the peaceful, relaxing setting of the Potager du Roy, in good company! Let yourself be carried away by tales of extraordinary journeys and be transported to unusual musical or storytelling worlds.
Readings organised by the Heritage Department of the City of Rochefort.


* RENÉ CAILLIÉ, AFRICA AT MY FEET
Mondays 20 July and 10 August at 6.30 pm
Born in 1799 to poor parents, the young René Caillié developed a passion for Africa through the geography books and maps provided to him by the village schoolteacher. In 1816, he set sail from Rochefort and, ten years later, set out to fulfil his dream: to cross Africa and discover Timbuktu.
A musical reading with tour guide Maryse Vila-Cornellas or Romain Blais, accompanied by musician Joris Feuillâtre (Ngoni percussion).


* MICHEL BÉGON, THE INTENDANT-COLLECTOR WITH A TRAVELLING SPIRIT
Mondays 27 July and 24 August at 6.30 pm
From Saint-Domingue to Rochefort via Marseille, discover the journey of Michel Bégon, Intendant of the Navy, a renowned scholar and tireless collector. Passionate about botany, in 1688 he sent Charles Plumier to the West Indies, from where he brought back a tropical plant which he named in honour of his benefactor.
Musical reading with tour guide Kevin Pearson, accompanied by Karine Delage (cello).

* LOTI, A STAY IN BEIJING
Mondays 3 and 17 August at 6.30 pm
In August 1900, having only just returned from his trip to Persia, Loti set off once more for China aboard the Redoutable, which was joining the international fleet engaged in the Boxer Rebellion. He returned with a post-war report filled with harrowing images, blending the collapse of a world with the wonder of discovering one of humanity’s oldest civilisations; this became the book *The Last Days of Peking*.
A musical reading with tour guide Maryse Vila-Cornellas, accompanied by musician Nolwenn Skolle (flute, vocals)

Limited number of people - Booking required.

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