France
COUNTRYBOOK
Western Europe
Farmland, coast and mountain in one country, with a market in every town on a fixed day.
Sehen
- 01Cathedral townsStone and glass raised over two or three centuries.
- 02Vineyard countryRows following the slope, each region its own grape.
- 03Walled villagesHilltop lanes, a gate, a well, a square with plane trees.
- 04Pilgrim roadsOld routes crossing the country toward the Pyrenees.
Erleben
- 01Market morningEach town has its day; the square fills before eight.
- 02Long lunchTwo hours, several courses, everything else closed.
- 03Walk a stageWaymarked paths cross farmland between villages.
- 04Coast in autumnWarm sea, empty beaches, the season already over.
Essen
- 01Bread and cheeseBought the same morning from two different shops.
- 02Slow stewsMeat, wine and time; the pot does most of the work.
- 03Butter pastryLayered, folded and baked until it shatters.
- 04Regional wineThe bottle usually comes from within an hour's drive.
Handwerk
- 01PotteryThick glazed ware from villages with their own clay.
- 02LinenWoven and washed soft, sold by the metre.
- 03Copper pansBeaten, tinned, heavy enough to last a lifetime.