Deep within the Forest of Cassan, lies a silent testament to a bygone era: the Glacière de Cassan. This isn’t just a pile of stones. It’s a portal to a time when ice was a luxury, carefully harvested and preserved. The Glacière de Cassan dates back to the 18th century. It was part of a grand estate owned by Pierre Jacques Bergeret de Grancourt. He acquired the estate in 1778 and embarked on an ambitious project. This included creating a lake with islands, “follies”, and a new chateau. The Glacière de Cassan served a vital purpose: keeping food and drinks cool during the summer months. This allowed chateau owners to impress their guests with chilled delights like sorbets, popularized by Queen Catherine de’ Medici. The ice house’s location was crucial. It needed dry ground near a water source, often a purpose-built lake. Between December and February, workers extracted ice, compacting the layers up to the door of the Glacière de Cassan. Packed snow compensated for any lack of frost, and a thick layer of straw provided insulation. The Glacière de Cassan also whispers tales of a more recent, darker past. During World War II, German troops used the Forest of Cassan as a staging area for V1 missiles. They also stored munitions and fuel there. Bullets found within the Glacière de Cassan bear witness to this occupation. Nearby bomb craters are grim reminders of the Allied bombings of July and August 1944. The Glacière de Cassan stands as a chilling reminder of both elegant summers past and the devastating impact of war.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to