Thursday 29 January 2009

Around La Barre - France Pt. 4

I mentioned earlier that La Barre was a tiny Hamlet of just 5 dwellings set 3 kilometers from the main road, so as much as we could visit many interesting places, we loved staying around the locality. I think it was the quietest and most peaceful area we had ever spent time in, particularly in siesta time.


Here you see the only road through the Hamlet
Our friend's farmhouse was to the left and a little behind
where this photo was taken from

We could cycle for a whole afternoon on roads like this and never see a car. Once or twice we saw a tractor or delivery vehicle.


We were able to walk for miles directly from the farm and enjoy routes like this with nothing more than dragon flies and birds for company. We walked across fields just full of wild Thyme and other fragrant herbs. It would not suit me as an everyday lifestyle but wonderful for a holiday.











Over the bridge (in the centre of the photo) and we are almost back at the farm




We stayed in the farmhouse for most of our visit but the gite was vacant for our last 3 days so we opted to stay there and give our friends some space as one of their sons had come to visit. I would not dream of invading their privacy by showing the inside of the farmhouse but here are a few pictures of the gite that was converted from part of the barn.
I am glad to know from all the comments that you have enjoyed this little peep into some of the heart of rural France.







11 comments:

Susan said...

What a lovely, quiet, peaceful retreat to be able to enjoy for a visit.
Susan

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh, how beautiful is that. Gorgeous!

Vee said...

Yay! I've finally managed to land on the day of your post...I feel better about that...don't mind me.

Sometimes the soul and body just need a respite like this. I wonder if you feel the same way you did then just from looking at the photos once again. It certainly looks peaceful and serene and I think that I could quite easily get used to it.

Adrienne said...

What incredible beauty. I can only imagine the peace and quiet of those roads and paths. Thank you for sharing with us. I'd love to be there in person! ~Adrienne~

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

The gite is charming, and your description of the blissful peace and quiet makes me want to go stay there for a few weeks. I bet you could really see the stars at night if it was clear, more bliss. I could really soak in the peace and serenity of that place....

Willow said...

I have enjoyed it immensely. I have a friend living in southern France this year and have seen some of her photos. But La Barre is much more rural. I wonder if I could convince The Professor to visit France...

Linda said...

A great trip. I love traveling those country roads but I never bike. I know I'd end up in a ditch.

Patsy said...

Beauty every where, what a wonderful walk you had.
Patsy

Anonymous said...

What a lovely place to stay - it doesn't look like it was ever part of a barn. Those photos must make for happy memories..... brave lady for biking tho - I don't think I'd be safe!

Tea Time With Melody said...

This looks like a very cozy place. I like the simple life.

Anonymous said...

That is so beautiful Barbara- thank you for describing the herb smells too. I could almost be there with you feeling the sun through the trees sparkling on the water. :-)