In former times one had to pay a toll to enter the city of Montpellier. This building is the place (l'octroi) where that toll was paid. I do not know whether it was located at that time. A few years ago, it was moved right in the middle of a traffic circle on the road to (or from) the sea. This is certainly the most beautiful traffic circle in Montpellier.It is difficult to photograph because of the traffic.
Your toll road house is nice and in a traffic circle where it is seen from all sides should be even nicer.
RépondreSupprimerWe have old buildings or use to have them that were toll houses. Made of wood and set right beside the roads, they collected tolls from people using the roads. So before you entered Brookville, south of town, you had to pay a toll at the toll house for using the road.
I think it is a smart way to make money for road use. And we have turnpikes where you have to pay a toll for using them.
Good post. Interesting too.
When I was in Tours, ( Indre-et-Loire) there was also a Pavillion d'Octroi, but of course L'Octroi at Montpellier is many times more beautiful !!
RépondreSupprimerThe Romans taxed goods and people leaving and entering the city and some were still in operation in France until about 60 or so years ago.
It's excellent to see this relocated pavillion looking so good and well cared-for.
it is really the most beutiful traffic...
RépondreSupprimernice blog :)
I have enjoyed my first visit to your blog...enjoyed all your beautiful photo's!!
RépondreSupprimerWhat beautiful buildings - the stone work is so luminous in the sun.
RépondreSupprimerWhat a shame it could not be in a place more accessible to the public.
Lovely honey-coloured glow of the stonework.
RépondreSupprimerWhat a lovely building. How much did you have to pay to get in, was it a lot?
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