The French departmental routes, or as I call them, "The little roads" are endless. Millions of them, I am not kidding. The possiblities are making my head spin. French Husband, or as I call him on this trip, "Mr. Walking Encyclopedia" loves to dish out facts. "36,000 towns in France", he said, and in the same breath, "More miles of roads in France then in all of the roads combined in the States."
36000 towns in France, but that doesn't include the little towns without a city hall, post office or bakery. I added the last part because seriously it is a Corey Fact.
In the south of France, Provence, where the soil is rocky and not fertile enough for livestock, it has been a pure pleasure to see sheep and cows. I grew up on a farm, but it doesn't seem so the way I have been carrying on in the car, it is as if I am on a Safari, "Oh look! Stop the car! Oh Look! Aren't they beautiful!"
Sheep and cows how I have missed seeing you.
I won't even talk about how many abandoned houses, and buildings I have coveted. In the middle of France everything is big, beautiful, ripe, ready and available. Well, let's just say the middle of France is a jewel box.
French Husband, "Mr. Walking Encyclopedia", threw in, "… What would you do here? There isn't any work? You would miss the sea? The winters are cold! It snows. Do you know how faraway you are from reality?"
I don't want to know. I like to dream.
"As long as there are brocantes, I can handle living anywhere…" and I added, "With you of course."
Mustard fields as far but wider than the yellow brick road.
And the perfume air…..
I don't know how many time I have uttered, "Oh my God!" But I am sure God is bored with it.
After twenty five years of living in France I am still on a roll, a love affair, a thrill… with a mouthful of "Oh my God" type of adjectives.
We start the mornings with a bakery and a cafe. Pain aux raisins as big as pizzas. Well not really but close enough. Then off a hot chocolate, later some where for lunch, and after hours of driving dinner.
Food and scenery.
Scenery and food.
I will be on a diet after all of this., I will have to tape my mouth shut.
France why do you tempt me with your sensual wonderland?
Fields after fields of wheat. The beginning of baguettes.
Not yet golden. I mentioned to French Husband that we should come back when the fields are golden.
I think he is tired of listening to me going on and on about farmland. Poor CityBoy that he is.
The red tiled roof tops of Provence are giving a way to black slate. The style of houses and buildings are changing too. Glorious, historical, century old architecture overload of wonder and awe.
At last we are with Yann's Uncle (his father's brother) and Aunt.
Such a LOVING couple! It is as if they just met. I have never seen a love affair like theirs before, deep and sweet after countless years of marriage… beautiful…
Does France ever fail? Food, wine, scenery, architecture, countryside, romance, love, brocante…
Video of some of the most beautiful villages in France.
France on Foot: Village to Village, Hotel to Hotel: How to Walk the French Trail System on Your Own
Black Diamond: A Mystery of the French Countryside
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