Sunday – Tuesday 19-21 April 2026

Sunday was another beautiful day. Everyone hopes this weather will last. Lots of planning today for our upcoming trip to Vouvray and Vallee de La Loire in two weeks time. An afternoon walk around our village, Beauvais sur Matha, actually saw Flashy walk up a (small) hill.

Monday we took a little trip to Tusson, a nearby village that has a cake shop open on a Monday. Remember, she needs coffee before 11.00. Since it’s Monday, everything is shut except for Gateau Salon de The. Inside seating or out on the terrace surrounded by flowers and shrubs (all for sale)? Outside in the sun for us.

The Scottish speaking owner (go figure) sells us fantastic cheesecake and carrot cake and average coffee. Flashy notes she is very officious and doesn't smile much. Not at all flirty like the French women.

Afterwards, a walk around the village confirms that everyone has been murdered or abducted by aliens. Often the case in small rural villages. Not a soul to be seen or heard. Windows and doors firmly shuttered and the rest of the very few businesses ferme le lundi! Closed on Monday. Which again is quite common, along with closing from 12.30 to 14.30 so they all can go home for lunch. Except, we did find a temple to Canard open. Everything to do with foie gras and duck, beautifully displayed at the front of the processing kitchen out the back. A tad expensive but we did get some foie gras and smoked duck for a future pique-nique. (invented in the 17th C by the French, for those wondering).

Here’s another French conundrum. The 'give way' road signs say ‘cedez la passage,’ which is pretty obvious. And while the stores all have the French entree and sortie over the doors and ouvert and ferme  as you would expect when they’re open and closed, their road 'stop' signs exclusively say STOP not arrêt. And you thought Latin was crazy.

Another walk this afternoon and another hill for Flashy.

Tuesday 21st - today is the last night of the sit as Candice arrives back tomorrow evening. So, a little trip into Matha to check out L’Incontournable Bar du Vin (The Unavoidable Wine Bar), which is new and nicely done out. A Cote du Rhone rouge and a Provence Rose were delightful at 4€ a glass. We hope they do well. Home to leftover veau (aux poireaux, moutard et creme) with fresh baguette and Salad de Thon.

I read today that the sale of baguettes in France is declining. There are even some boulangeries that do not make/sell baguettes, although I've not found one yet. The author suggests that it is the Americanisation of French youngsters to blame. Well, of course they would.




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