It can be perceived as a very simple instrument But simple can also surprise and the Musée Européen d’Art Campanaire in L’Isle-Jourdain in the department of Gers ‘Art campanaire’ is the creation of bells; the how “We are the only museum in France and Europe that presents an exhibition of bells and different sound producing objects,” said Bruno Delfino it has a rich and historical bell collection with more than 1,000 objects ranging from a tiny pendant bell weighing 6g to a foundry mixer weighing 2.6 tons and everything in-between ‘Le carillon de la Bastille’ is one of the main attractions a clockmaker in charge of the maintenance managed to save the clock and its bells For some it’s a surprise,” explained Mr Delfino It was in a foundry in Normandy before being sold numerous times Then it appeared in a restaurant in Paris before being auctioned off and sold again until finally it was bought by the city of L’Isle- Jourdain and placed in the museum It is now classified as a Monuments Historique The museum is keen to demonstrate that while the term ‘art campanaire’ usually focuses on the church bell and the carillon the bell is classed as an idiophone and is a tool that has been used for centuries to perform a whole range of specific duties The Horlogerie monumentale section takes us to what Mr Delfino describes as “the second surprise” An automaton clock made by the clockmaker Chenet-Blondin in 1860 This intricate machine decorated his shop window and even indicates the phases of the moon the hour in France and 21 other places in the world He said: “Every morning and every night we wind it up We’re closed on Sundays and Mondays but during the week she never stops… never It’s an attraction for both adults and children.” The concept of creating a museum to celebrate all things ‘art campanaire’ started in 1980 when Mr Alain Jouffray and a team of researchers worked to bring together sound objects and various documents the idea of setting up an exhibition to celebrate the pieces was born the new carillon of the Collegiate Church (nine bells) was inaugurated and the “A la découverte des carillons de Midi Pyrénées” exhibition was opened and the decision was made to create a permanent Musée Européen d’Art Campanaire in the original halle aux grains L’Isle-Jourdain is well-known for its campanological tradition – specifically its small one-octave carillons and its wooden “bell towers” or “subrejougs” (more on them later) – making it the obvious location for the museum “We have all the objects thanks to the I.E.A.C (Institut Européen d’Art Campanaire),” added Mr Delfino It is thought that the bell was created as soon as man had fire and could make clay The first metal bells date back to the Bronze Age and records from the 5th Century describe monks as bell founders In the 16th Century automatic bell ringing was introduced and “dictated” life in the city Religion and prayer were no longer the priority it can be perplexing to even consider a clock without a face let alone a time when the hour would generally be told by the ringing of a bell depending on whether it was a time of war or peace would determine how the material was best served – as a bell a decree had ordered the removal of bells for their bronze to make coins another decree ordered that only one bell per steeple should remain to ensure that the metal was put to the use of making arms The one bell was to remain as an alarm system It is estimated that more than 30,000 bells were melted down during this period and more would be destroyed during the wars stories of locals (and tourists) wanting to end the bell ringing in their village or town has made the news more than once over time many traditions and rituals have either been toned down or disappeared completely that for the past twenty years the French adjective equivalent to the English “campanological” has been absent from the dictionary it is comforting to see other visitors enjoying the collection at the museum and making lots of wonderful sounds and playing music Arriving at the 23 bells learner’s carillon Mr Delfino said: “It’s an instrument of music in France I like to play the Harry Potter soundtrack.. Provided by the Fondation des Pays de France the carillon is an instrument made of two parts An upper section used by the carillonneur to train without others knowing he was learning and the lower section which has the keyboard made of wooden batons and foot pedals In every section of the museum there are bells and objects of all shapes and sizes Many celebrating rituals and cultures from all over the world including Africa All made from a variety of materials such as wood decorated with beautiful and intricate designs An impressive African mask and accessories adorned with bells demonstrate the diversity of the collection in the museum it’s an expression of music,” continued Mr Delfino Admire huge instruments including a traditional gong Mr Delfino said: “When we visit museums we are told ‘do not touch’ culture again plays a huge part in the bell’s story especially since animals have always been an extension of man’s traditions The bells of an animal can shine a light on its origin and along with its accessories can assist in identifying it to the animal and the date of the bell for example the museum was bequeathed approximately 150 subrejougs from the Meroc family Less than half of people believe in God in 2021, French poll finds This small French town was refuge to English throne heir until death Behind the curtain: L’Intime Expo takes a fascinating look at people's private lives Cow’s milk cheeses dominate as winter comes to an end Every month we outline good film and TV series to improve your language France (AP) Dribbling in pain on the punishing climb of the Col d'Aspin Thibaut Pinot saw his hopes of winning the Tour de France disappear While his rivals in the fight for the yellow jersey came out unscathed from the first big ascent of this year's race on Friday France's top hope crossed the finish line nearly seven minutes after stage winner Steve Cummings losing just over three minutes to the group that included defending champion Chris Froome The sight of Pinot struggling during the 12-kilometer ascent of the legendary Pyrenean path a third-place finisher at the Tour two years ago started the race with most French hopes on his shoulders Pinot improved in time trials heading into the race and was confident he would be able to fight toe to toe with Froome and Nairo Quintana for the overall win Having avoided losing time in the first third of the race the 26-year-old FDJ team leader entered the Pyrenees with high morale Less than 163 kilometers further down the route leading to the Champs Elysees at the finish line on the shores of the Lac de Payolle it's as simple as that," said Pinot whose struggles in the Category 1 ascent were in stark contrast to his scintillating form a year earlier on his way to a prestigious win on the slopes of the Alpe d'Huez It's the third time in my career that I've blown up in the Pyrenees and at the Tour you need to ride at 100 percent The Tour was my main goal and after the first mountain stage Pinot's struggles even surprised his FDJ teammates who set the tempo at the start of the ascent "They tried to put me in the best position at the foot of the climb," said Pinot who enjoyed a strong start to the season crowned by a time trial title at the French national championships last month With two more difficult stages in the Pyrenees this weekend FDJ manager Marc Madiot said it is now crucial to find out quickly what exactly happened to his protege obviously we expected more," Madiot said "We need to understand why he is not at his best level." Pinot brushed off suggestions that he prepared poorly for the race "We all wanted to peak at Mont Ventoux when the race will really start on July 14," Pinot said To hit peak form at the right time is easier to say than actually achieve." France had a good chance of producing a home champion for the first time since Bernard Hinault posted the final of his five wins back in 1985 Pinot is now out of contention and the nation's hopes hang on the fortunes of Romain Bardet and Warren Barguil who have yet to lose time on the main favorites Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker A terrorist is someone who is prepared to fight for a cause that you don’t believe in.Alan Williams-Key At one point there was a fine distinction between being a terrorist and being a freedom fighter A terrorist achieves his ends by inspiring fear – sometimes quite irrational – among the general population One or two apparently random acts can provoke expensive and irritating security arrangements that cost the taxpayers millions and make travel a nightmare.Joan Dawson Most definitions of a terrorist incorporate the idea of committing acts of violence that are intended to create terror; that are perpetrated for ideological reasons; and that target civilians most modern warfare suggests that the distinction between soldiers and terrorists is often blurred.David Isaacs Why do some of us enjoy trying exotic foods while others will avoid the unusual at any cost It’s a case of the triumph of mind over matter.David Tucker Some Guardian Weekly readers say that Notes & Queries has run its course The only possible answer is “Of course not” Let the naysayers take a course in Anglo-Saxon humour.Alexandra Chapman in the case of older and more longstanding readers N&Q is one of the first sections they turn to each week Vivat Notes & Queries!Alaisdair Raynham no: it’s my only shot at 15 seconds of fame!John Black But may I suggest rebranding and distillation into an alternative: musings from the antipodes?Brian Sims A little levity and wit is needed to counter the wars woes and madness spilled out on other pages Might be a good idea to give N&Q more space.Peter Vaughan intrigues or otherwise stimulates the putative GW reader to the point of wanting to share it with the rest of us as they wouldn’t be an acquaintance if you thought of them as friend material.Dick Hedges Witness the social media friend request: on the other end lies modern friendship which is knowing kind of all about someone but rarely seeing them because everyone is busy and sad.Matt O’Connell Should we care about the elephant in the room?Clare Perry What is more pleasant than driving to music?E Slack Please send more answers, and questions, to weekly.nandq@theguardian.com or write to Guardian Weekly Bike Europe is a part of VMNmedia. 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