We have been in France a week today. Sitting looking out across the way to the next farm, it is beautiful. The wind is rustling the trees, creating a gentle music that adds to the serenity of our surroundings. The sky is mostly cloudy, but some puffy white clouds drift lazily, with patches of blue peeking through, providing a calming contrast. I am so glad it stopped raining; the previous downpours had created quite a damp atmosphere. My husband, who is from England, has been commenting that the weather was very akin to the UK, which, quite frankly, adds an element of familiarity while being in such a picturesque setting.

We have ventured out a couple of times to explore the local area. One of our first excursions took us to the hilltop Medieval village of Penne-d’Agenais. This charming village, built in the Thirteenth Century from robust stone, features a stunning church, a quaint chapel, and an old prison. The views here are nothing short of breathtaking; the Lot River snakes below, flanked by the scenic towns across the valley. What was once a formidable fortress that tragically burnt down in the 1600s was meticulously rebuilt in the 1800s. Today, it has transformed into a delightful collage of holiday gîtes, atelier art shops showcasing local talent, and a handful of inviting restaurants, each with its unique character.

Another highlight of our week was our visit to Purgol, another captivating Medieval hilltop village. This one boasts a church that has been beautifully converted into an art gallery, displaying works that reflect the spirit of the region. We had a lovely lunch at one of the quaint restaurants there, and I couldn’t help but notice the American license plates adorning the walls, a charming touch that hinted at the owner’s fondness for the USA. The country music playing in the background further confirmed this; it felt as though we had stepped into a little slice of Americana nestled within rural France. It’s amusing, really, considering the large number of American west enthusiasts we’ve encountered here. There seems to be a surprising blend of cultures in these rustic villages.

It is incredibly peaceful here. The only sounds are those of the breeze dancing through the trees, the occasional chirping of birds, and the distant mooing of cows grazing on the faraway hills. Their low calls drift across the valley, adding to the idyllic atmosphere. As a bird enthusiast, I find joy in identifying the various species that flit about. I’ve been fortunate enough to spot my favorite British Robin, along with the Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Common Chiffchaff, and the elusive Short-toed Treecreeper. Their cute little chirps and sing-songy calls add a delightful layer to the nature symphony surrounding us. To aid in my identification pursuits, I keep an app on my phone called Merlin. This helpful tool has allowed me to download the Western Europe Bird list, which includes not just the birds of France but also those of Germany. It identifies birds by their sounds and songs, which has opened up a new world of auditory appreciation.

However, there are some challenges we have encountered. The internet here is quite subpar; extremely slow with major interruptions create significant video delays and download issues. Mike certainly can’t work that way; he needs reliable internet to perform his job, which involves numerous conference video calls. This scenario, unfortunately, is not ideal for him, as the unreliable connectivity adds a layer of stress that we hadn’t anticipated.

One intriguing aspect of our stay is the abundance of insects. So many flying beetles, flies, Japanese bees, mosquitos, and others that remain unidentifiable buzz around us. It feels as though we are living in a treehouse, enveloped by nature. Many of the trees surrounding us are enormous, ancient oaks, their presence commanding and majestic. These towering giants rain down a constant dribble of acorns onto our rooftops, umbrellas, and even our heads, creating a whimsical, albeit sometimes startling, experience. Each day here is filled with new discoveries, both enchanting and a little challenging, but it all adds to our growing adventure in this beautiful part of France.