Although I’m a bonafide city girl at heart, I do love it when I get a chance to run away to the countryside – and in August I was lucky enough to make two trips. First, to the Lake District in the north of England (check out my previous post), and second, to rural France where I visited my newly acquired Gallic family.
Well, they’re not that new. I’ve been visiting them in the Vosges, a north-eastern department, for about ten years now. At first, the trips were difficult as I spoke no French at all. Over time, that’s changed (though my grammar remains atrocious) and my love of the place and people has grown with it.
Life has a simple pleasure there. Self-seficiency is key. The garden is full of seasonal vegetables and fruit. There is a rabbit hatch for meat. A lake for fish. A forest nearby where we forage for mushrooms. Wine and cheese on the dinner – and often lunch – table is normal rather than a luxury.
Following this most recent visit, a large part of me didn’t want to come back to London. But, alas, I’m here. And while outside it’s pouring with rain and there’s an Autumn chill in the air, at least I have these photos to remind me of how lovely life can be.
Thankfully, I’m heading back at Christmas – this time with my Aussie parents in tow. It will look very different in the dead of winter, when we’ll be eating whatever has been pickled from the summer crop, the Brussel sprouts and root veggies that were just starting to come into their own when we left, oysters (that we’ll bring in especially because it’s tradition) and lots of other bits and pieces that I’ll be sure to report on. Je ne peux pas attendre.
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All images © Kate McAuley
Gorgeous pics Kate – love the sunflower
Ta, mate. Thought you might like les tournesols. xx
You do know I’m totally in love and imediatly want to take off and spend a break right in these very pictures. Kate you had me at wild mushrooms. xo
Glad you liked the post, Ro. Invitation stands. I’m thinking of a new book idea – a year in this garden. The last time I was there, I ate cherries and strawberries straight from the source. I ended up with a face covered in juice stains. I doubt I’ll find the time to ever grow up. xo
Oh, Katie bean, these photos are so luscious.. you had me at wild mushrooms, too. Yesterday I watched a friend eat a truffle omelette, at Harrods/Lauderee. It didn’t look nearly as appetising at these shots.
How WONDERFUL that both families will be together for Christmas, in France. And yes: it’s pretty yucky out today. Gonna go make another cup of PG Tips. I think this is the tail end of Irene – a shadow of her former self.
Miss you, see you when you’re back. xox
Thanks, lovely one. Hope to see you soon! xo
Wow – those vegetables, that fruit! It all looks so delicious – and fresh!
What a wonderful thing to have a whole “new” family in such a lovely part of the world.
Hope you’re well. Can *happily* report that it is pouring and blowing a hurricane here in Cardiff. The joy!!
xx
Same here in London too. I’ve spent my evening eating all the veggies we brought back in an effort to erase what’s outside the window. Apparently it’s going to be nicer tomorrow. We shall see.
Thanks for dropping by, Emily. Really hope all is well in Wales. Loving the new layout on your blog. Delish! xx
Looks like a gorgeous place
Come visit. I’ll take you there.
This blog is amazing. Just how I like it. Really raw! You are cool!
Wow. Thanks.
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