It’s such a British thing to talk about the weather. But actually it’s often a favoured topic of the French too and this April has given us plenty to think about. We’ve had pretty much all four seasons in as many weeks. We are too far south and too close to the coast to worry about frosts now but it’s been colder than average, hotter than average, drier than average and guess what wetter than average too!
Right now we’re in a chilly stage, so much so that we’re still lighting a fire in the evenings in the sitting room. The skies can change from a beautiful blue to a menacing black within minutes. Warm sun is replaced by cold rain and vice versa. However, anything growing in a sheltered spot is loving it. Protected from the harsher winds, and thoroughly enjoying a good soaking the spring flowers have flourished. The village is looking gorgeous and walking with the dogs is an absolute pleasure. So rather than going on and on about it and being selfish I thought I should take you with me, let’s take a stroll together.
Everywhere is so green, almost overnight it all changed and blossom gave way to leaves. I think it is going to be an incredible season for cherries and plums.
The wisteria has put on a stupendous show all around
and don’t you just love this old rusty bike. It has been here as long as I can remember!
Along with this old tractor in another field. Neither work but they are in no way unsightly either, just a reminder of the past.
This roof is held up quite literally by the beam supported by the concrete pillar in the middle, but I would love to have this little garden, wouldn’t this make a wonderful summer kitchen area?
And this doorway which I am told dates from the 14th century.
To be honest everywhere at this time of year is photo worthy. However, it is when we stop and take that picture that we really appreciate the tiny intricacies, the old stones, the plants which have self seeded and are growing in the cracks in the walls, the turf which has been untouched for hundreds of years, the church from the 12th Century.
Let’s keep going. Past the roses, which if tucked in by a sheltered wall are already fragrantly blooming.
Past narrow doorways
and ancient terracotta tiled roofs,
and down roads which have heard the pounding of hoofbeats and the thud of feet from lifetimes long ago.
Then a single poppy grabs my attention. It strikes me as a reminder that life is fragile, we have to appreciate what we have and the here and now and very much in the news at the moment, we have to protect our environment.
Our French Oasis 
Like the weather you describe, your posts are above average. Far above average in my humble opinion. You certainly enjoy your beautiful surroundings.
Gwen, what a lovely and true thing to say! And I agree – it‘s what she is and does…. 🙂
Thank you so much Gwen, what a truly lovely thing to say, you have made my day xx
Lovely! Thank you for taking us on a sunny walk with you. I’m wondering if one of your little researchers at home might find out what the runes above that 14th century door are all about? Very mysterious! And was the building something other than a residence once upon a time?
Love the little #2 marker tucked way up high. Thanks for taking us along on your French Village walk.
What a beautiful walk. I love the doors, the flowers and the stone walls. Thank you for sharing.
thank you xx
Isn’t it gorgeous xx
I agree with you Ellen, we need to find out about it, I shall set the children a little task, great idea xx
Wonderfully written. Thank you for the stroll.
Thanks Tami xx
How very beautiful and peaceful. The weather around the world has been chaotic this year. I think the weather mimics world events. On a sunny Sunday morning, I’m very happy to be on our small island…
As ever
Ali xx
The weather, the weather, not a great subject here at the moment, but we needed the rain and we have to remind ourselves of that! But it is unusual to still be lighting a fire and wearing cashmere in May! xx
Love your blog! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely photos with us!
Thanks Paula xx
Your posts always make me wish I were living in France. Always a refreshing escape.
Thank you Theresa, armchair travel is very good for one I believe and free! xx
I love wisteria! Beautiful photos. 🙂
Thank you, I do too xx
I loved our walk today! Thank you so much!
Glad you could join me Karen xx
I have to say ‘me to’ to wishing I was living in France. Love your pictures, enjoy your beautiful days.
Thanks Candi, come and visit! xx
This is all so beautiful! I hope I can have the opportunity to visit one day. Great post!
It would be a pleasure to welcome you here xx
Susan, dear, I have been writing to two friends in 2 places on this planet the same thing, but even more pointedly: We have, these days, four seasons in 24 hours! I went in my summer clothes on the TGV to Zurich, only to be freezing here in heavy rain and then dried again within 15‘ in heavy wind and sunshine….. Tomorrow I‘m returning to F to see how my garden and my many plants were doing while ‚mom‘ was away.
What a lovely walk you took us on! Much of it I know very well too, so delightful (minus the wisterias and lilacs….)
Love and greetings to the family and pets – be happy!
And still we have all four seasons in a day! Back in cashmere turtle necks here today! But we needed the rain, so the garden is at least happy!! xx
Just had a visit of a young family with two small girls – drenched to their bones – when they left, the sun was out for 30’…. the heating is still on though!
I think we are experiencing very similar weather… no real complaints but I would like it a wee bit warmer! Never satisfied, are we? Thanks for taking us on your village tour.
The strangest May weather I have ever known here! Friends slightly further inland even had a frost a couple of nights ago, so I think you may have suffered from that too, their tender young potatoes suffered quite badly. Still we needed the rain xx
We had -3c last Saturday night and frosts both sat and Sun…fortunately the veggies are well protected.
I always enjoy trips with you in France and it is always fascinating to “travel” so easily around the world now. Spring is a wonderful time of the year and I have been lucky enough to experience Spring twice this year. Once in the southern states and again up north. And we actually talk a lot about weather here and a large amount of our TV news is the weather.
The weather is all anyone can talk about here at the moment because it is so strange, never known a May like it. Forget the April showers, we have cold May ones!! xx
Beautiful photos Susan. Could be strolling through a Jacqui Lawson e card
Gosh, that is a real compliment, thank you so much Gabrielle xx
I hope you had a wonderful Easter, Susan. I love the stone, both for buildings and walls, but the wisteria captures my fancy today. I experienced its scent for the first time over a year ago in southern California and was smitten. We had lilacs at our house in Cleveland and our rental house has some and that scent is also wonderful and one I’ve never found replicated by lotions/sprays/perfumes. I think they’re a bit similar. I also saw wisteria during my Easter trip to Philadelphia and thought of you when I saw it.
Thanks for the beautiful walk. Spring took a bit of a step backwards yesterday (Saturday) when we were told to expect 2-8″ of snow, which fortunately didn’t arrive. We had some snow/rain/sleet, but were so thankful that forecast was wrong. I’m ready to head to the park again as soon as possible to keep an eye on the wildflowers, which will feature in tomorrow’s post.
Have a blessed week!
janet
The wisteria has been spectacular everywhere here this year. Ours always seems to thrive beautifully and the scent is incredible. xx
Thanks for this walk. Every last one of these photos is beautiful–whether color or texture or framing or detail. Lovely.
Thank you so much xx
A beautiful walk, with wonderful photos! Thanks! I want to be there!
Hope you will be one day xx
Such a lovely stroll in the French Countryside. That red door stole my heart!
We talk about the weather here as well!
I love the old red door, hope they never paint it! xx
The extremes are definitely a trend — we are seeing the same thing here in Haute Savoie where the snow-capped peaks are a pretty contrast to the greening hills and valleys. I’m happy with the mood swings for now but it will be nice to settle in to a bit of more stable warmer weather.
Strange weather indeed, never known a May like it and I know friends in Vichy said they had snow last weekend! Friends a little further inland than us had a frost two nights ago, unheard of in May. Today it is wet and cold and back in the cashmere! xx
Very beautiful photos, you really live in an enchanting area. Thank you very much!
Thanks so much xx
THE WISTERIA too here is FABULOUS this year!ALL that rain CALIFORNIA received!ALL the roses are LATE opening however and there is still a chill in the AIR here too!I’m ready for some HEAT!
14 C doors………..SWOONING!
I have an old bike like the one you see in my backyard………………was thinking I should pass it on but NOT many people are like YOU and ME!And GOD knows I willNOT TOSS IT!I have to GIVE IT to a GOOD HOME!
XX
If only I were closer I would take your bike!!! I might just go and ask the people if they want to get rid of theirs, I would love it in propped up by the garden shed xx
Love the walk through the village. Here in Canada at this time of year we usually experience all 4 seasons in a day. Saturday night we had the worst snowstorm of the season; thankfully it is all melting as we speak – so hopefully Spring has not been cancelled for us!
They even had snow in parts of France last weekend, the strangest May weather imaginable. Let’s hope we all get some spring weather soon xx
Love your walk, so much nicer than here. I am loving our autumn it is finally cooling down, hate the heat. Several seasons in one day quite common in Victoria (Australia). Here the cooler weather brings the native flowers into bloom, so direct opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.
Hope you enjoy your cooler Autumn weather, I can imagine it is a great relief after all that heat. But we need some warmth, strange May weather at the moment xx
Beautiful pictures! Love the old buildings & the wisteria is out of this world! Thanks so much – enjoyed & will look again!!
Thanks so much Shirley xx
I love the blue door and wisteria
isn’t it pretty, a great combination xx
Just gorgeous, I love all of your photos.
Thank you xx
Please pop over to THEVINTAGECONTESSA.net for you BLOGGING AWARD!YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE SUNSHINE BLOGGERS AWARD BY ME!I hope this puts a SMILE ON YOUR FACE!XX
Thanks so much, as you know I have been away and am now playing catch up big time. On my way, thank you again so much xxx
Thanks for this post and the photograph. It felt like someone was walking me through these places
Thanks so much xx
I love the poppy photo! My parents holiday in the south of France every year. It’s such a beautiful rural and friendly area, with a proper farmer’s market selling delicious organic local produce. We love escaping the business of our English city and relaxing there.
https://literarylydi.wordpress.com/2019/04/28/the-spring-phoenix-poem-with-photos/
Lucky you to be able to holiday with your parents in the south. The markets are always fabulous xx
Gorgeous photos – thank you for sharing and making me feel for a moment that I was in France! x
isn’t armchair travel fabulous and free too! xx
I love following along on your walk! So many beautiful things to see!
Thanks so much Elizabeth xx
Beautiful words and images! I started following your blog yesterday after reading your article in the Spring 2017 edition of “Living”. I found it in the gîte we’re staying in near Brantôme. Our family of 6 is travelling around France for 3 months and I am enjoying reading all of your posts about life and family in France!
Hi and welcome! This was the strangest thing ever. I was sitting at the computer this morning, reading about the caves at Brantôme, when your email popped into my inbox and you are staying near there. Too bizarre! Enjoy your holiday xx
Thanks! Yes, we were right near Brantôme and the caves. We’ve moved on to Sarlat-la-Canéda this week and are planning to go to Lascaux tomorrow – I believe it’s a very different experience but also worth while. I’m enjoying all the reading all previous blog posts!