France, Life of adventure, Travel

A Pretty Village in France – Auvillar

Suzanne

It was a Monday. Last week to be precise.

At this stage of our housesitting, the countryside, Miss Dexter and us, had felt and seen the rain for days on end. It was time for a break in the weather. To don, our jackets take a deep breath and head out. Whether it be rain or shine, we were going for a walk. Thankfully, it was somewhere in between, the hours we chose.

Firstly, we had to take a short drive up a hill to what is written numerously online as one of the prettiest villages in France.

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Was it today? We had our doubts about whether this was correct or not. Prettiness may not be the chosen word for a chilly wettish winter’s day. Though hopefully, we will have the opportunity for a revisit when the weather is warmer as I am sure the village will be at it’s best and be blooming lovely.

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This is not to discount our visit during which the bare bones of this village are more visible. We were able to appreciate and admire the buildings, greet the locals, without hordes of people trying to do the same thing.

What cannot be seen though felt and not bothered or touched by the seasons is Poetry. It is everywhere in Auvillar, according to a local poet.

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Our walk was carried out somewhat gingerly over the cobbled stones; going back toward the centre of town, the tower of the Church of St. Peter rises over every building and tree. It is a religious experience of sorts, even for me, who renounced her Catholicism many years ago.

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After our stroll around ended, we headed to the supermarché for something delectable to cook up for dinner tonight. As I waited in the car, with Miss Dexter. She was looking forlornly towards where the Squire had gone. I told her she was in a far more desirable position than the dog next door who had sat proudly in the front seat until the missus came back, then got relegated to the backseat with no view at all.

Then before we knew it, the Squire was back, food in the boot and off we went back to home base. With the three of us looking forward to some sort of warmth and nourishment. In that order.

As you do after an enjoyable winter’s walk around the neighbourhood.

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Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

52 thoughts on “A Pretty Village in France – Auvillar”

    1. I think when the cafes have their tables and chairs out. With the flower boxes full of flowers. The sun shining. It would be a completely different atmosphere. We are back there in late September/early October so I shall let you know 🙂

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  5. I think the weather kind of added a nice atmosphere to these photos. I do love a French village and this post has made me miss France. I really should get back there. It’s not like I’m that far away! One thing I’ve wondered when reading your posts and never asked, do you speak good French or Spanish?

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    1. Hayley, we have been very fortunate to get by with all our travels with a basic knowledge of the differing languages. In other words, we can say thanks, bye and hello etc. Funnily enough we feel like we know more and our ears are in tune with the languages. Never had any trouble getting by even with staying in a Northern France village for 3 months not knowing much French. People are very patient with us and there is always someone who can speak some level of English. Yes, you aren’t far from France. We love it over here and in Spain. Most of Europe/UK can be put into the “We love it” 🙂

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    1. It’s acclaimed badge as one of the prettiest villages in France is no doubt subjective to the opinions of locals. Though every place always looks so much prettier in the sun and when the flower boxes are full of blooms!

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  7. This town still looks very pretty, even under grey skies. Having the streets empty of tourists is a bonus. I love the buildings and the atmosphere. The cross looks big and quite out of place. One confusion, is this town that you explored and described Auvillar (mentioned in the title) or Moissac (mentioned in the bottom photo)?

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    1. Thanks for letting me know about my major mistake, heck I must have been tired when I finished that post off. Goodness me, the standards are slipping or getting worse 🙂 The cross is quite large and I wanted to highlight it. Yes, will let you know what it looks like in warmer weather when we next go back in late September!

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    1. A bit like life isn’t it. The Trade Offs”. It was just the locals and us. Yes, it will be packed in summer. It was a treat Janis 😊

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    1. thanks and, yes, sun certainly does help, it can also be a hindrance. Never perfect 🙂 Hope the housesitting is going well for you both.

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  13. I look forward to your next visit to Auvillar, which sounds like it’ll be timed with some warmer weather. With the softness of new green leaves on the trees, and the creepers coming to life covering the buildings, some flower boxes, and window shutters open to welcome some blue sky it may indeed be a very pretty village. Whilst pleasant looking at the moment, it does like a little devoid of life…. I just hope there isn’t too much life of the human kind next time.

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    1. It was Em, the architecture was amazing and the history there. There were locals walking around, though most were cosy inside by the fire 🙂

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  17. Wonderful pictures as ever and what a place. First thing that struck me is how clean it looks, even the wall mural looks unadulterated in graffiti. Is that true of the wider area? Here people just toss crap out of cars and have little regard for the countryside. I know that’s stereotyping everyone with the same label, but it seems that way whenever I go out or drive around. Might be why that is something I tuned into straight away!

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    1. Thanks Gary. In general, we have found Europe to be much cleaner than it was years ago. Tagging is still around though not a major problem where we have explored. The countryside is reasonably clean over here, though not all areas. As with most places, even in NZ!

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      1. I wish I could say the same here. I find litter a terrible selfish act by perpetrators. It shows an ignorance of the environment and affects those that live near it. I actually think it’s getting worse here, not better too. Might be a blog post on that very subject!

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        1. Look forward to reading your post on it Gary. Maybe if more of us made others more accountable for their rubbish, things may change?? Most probably not, as there will always be lazy people no matter what laws are introduced! Though I have been known to highlight dropped litter to a few people, especially children, while there parents glare at me 🙂

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          1. Will keep you posted, another blogger and I were thinking of trying to raise awareness about personal responsibility concerning this topic as a collaborative concept. I know there will always be the “lazy” types, but if we can sway a few that have slipped into bad habits then its worth a shot 🙂

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