I have been in France for three weeks and two days. During this time it hasn’t been easy. We are in very rural France. This brings challenges. We deal with unreliable internet. We also have nightly mouse parties and have to kick them out! We also have to navigate small one-car tracks that have always been farmers’ roads. I knew that there was some wonderful history to learn. My husband is British. I was curious to understand why the English loved this area of France. They fought to keep it for hundreds of years. Even now many Ex-pat Brits call it home. The history has been going on for almost a thousand years. Well, actually longer than that but I have learned during the 12th century an English King built a castle here. This area was once the frequented grounds of Richard 1st. He is also known as Richard the Lionheart. Richard was crowned King of England in 1189 after King Henry the second died at Westminster Abbey. He only spent six months during his eleven year reign as King of England actually in England. His parents were King Henry 2 and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was mostly known as a Francophile who lived in France. He mainly fought the French for money. He earned his nickname the Lionheart by his bravery and tactical skills in fighting. His Queen Beregaria of Navarre had no children and never put a foot in England her whole life. She is buried at L’Epau Abbey in Le Mans. This place is famous for the epic Le Mans 24 hour race.
His first language was French, his father being from Acquataine which translates to the waters. It rains so much here, not really all that different than the UK. I have lived on a narrowboat in England and I can tell you how much it rains there! When the sun comes out everyone celebrates!
The region I am in is also known as the Aquitaine, which is known for 100’s of impressive wineries and a breadbasket of fruits, nuts, corn, and many other crops grown around the year. Penne-d’Agenais is only fifteen minutes drive and there is so much to explore. There is a small market on Sunday’s at the port Penne which is next to the Lot River. I bought fresh fruit and vegetables and also a dozen fresh Oysters! The primary language here is French, although as you travel south you will also hear Basque as you near Spain. The primary sport for those fans here is football, but also rugby, basketball, and bull-fighting, and surfing on the coast. Wine is the largest industry here. During King Henry’s reign, it was the principal way he filled his coffers. I believe it is the reason for the English wanted to rule this area of France. Richard the Lionheart built a castle on the brim of Penne-d’Agenais complete with caves and grotto’s. One can go visit the remains of the castle along with visiting the beautiful Cathedral Notre-Dame de Peyragude a Penne-d’Agenais. It is a place thousands of people have made pilgrimages to over the past 100 years.
Cathedral Notre-Dame de Payragude
I have also been exploring the podcasts for some good ones here in France. I found one that I like and thought I would share with you.
The Good Life France’s Podcast is great for you. It offers insights into the French culture and its history. It can be found here. This is a fun podcast about all things French. It is written by Janine Marsh, Editor of The Good Life France. She is an award-winning travel writer and author of best-selling memoirs about her life in France with all her animals. Check it out!
On se revoit (see you next time)
Merci for reading!
Momsthoughts 
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