The list of why we go is long. We both speak the language. We love the food. We love the wine. We love the variety of scenery with vineyards and orchards, peaks and valleys, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Alps and the Pyrénées, the fields of lavender and sunflowers, the dairies where rich milk produces such fine cheese, and just the variety of specialty dishes typical for each region. So much is concentrated in what I consider a relatively small country, at least compared to the width and breadth of Canada. And then there's Paris, the City of Lights, a must-see destination at least once in your life. What can I say - it's France!
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| A Canadian Souvenir shop in Montréal, with the moose figuring prominently. |
Whether we want to experience the art and music, the multitude of museums, the gastronomy, or take in the ever-changing scenery, France has something to offer for everyone. At a reasonable price, also, especially when you rent a house, cook some of your own meals, and really integrate into the little piece of the world you're exploring. Sometimes, all we want to do is sit at a small café and take in our surroundings, just inhaling the richness of the French life.
So, should we buy a place? We've thought of it, knowing that France is like an extension of our current life, no different than the snowbirds who head to Arizona, Mexico or Hawaii for months of every year, finding their 2nd homes and enjoying the amenities of their adopted country. We could do the same in France, but we really don't know which area we would choose! We know that we prefer small villages to big cities, but we have found so many special little towns that would suit our dreams perfectly that we are at a complete loss to know where we'd buy. Perhaps it's best to continue renting homes in different areas and really immerse ourselves completely for a few months, then move on to a new place the following year. A type of nomadic life with better roots!
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| Waiting for our flight to CDG, Paris |
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| Tired before leaving |
We landed at the Charles de Gaulle Airport yesterday, quite jet-lagged, but so very happy to be on French soil once again. French spoken everywhere, our ears getting attuned to the cadence and the accent. We picked up our rental car and headed for Normandy, destination Ceaucé, where we have rented a former cobbler's store, renovated into someone's 3-bedroom get-away. It felt so right, and so good to be back "home".
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| Our first meal at home: rosé and baguette of course |
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| plus haddock, Basmati rice and veggies. |
for being jet lagged, you guys look great :) Marguerite, you look like a young girl! Hope you guys have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting. You have the right idea. I would never "go south". France would be my choice, too!
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