Bonjour mes amis! It’s your favorite globe-trotting gnome, Oliver, back with another tale from the road. Today, I’m going to share with you a snippet of my 44.2km journey from the charming village of Gourdon to the quaint town of Terrasson-Lavilledieu, nestled in the heart of beautiful France.

Now, I’m not just a gnome who walks. I observe, I participate, and I learn. Remember when I said, “A gnome’s journey is measured not in miles but in memories?” Well, this leg of the journey offered a memory that I will cherish forever.

In the middle of my trek, I stumbled upon a field of the most beautiful sunflowers, or as the locals call them, les tournesols. Now, I’m not typically one for flora – I’m a gnome, after all, not a garden fairy – but there was something about those golden faces turned toward the sun that really struck a chord with me. It was as if they were a physical embodiment of optimism, always seeking out the light.

As a wise French philosopher once said, “La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel” – Life is a flower of which love is the honey. I suppose, in that field, I found my honey.

This mesmerizing scene was just a small part of my journey, which has so far covered a staggering 1693.7 kilometers over the course of 62 days. From the medieval town of Caussade to the scenic city of Cahors, from the serene vistas of Gourdon to the historic charm of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, every step has been an adventure.

I can’t wait to continue my trek and see what other wonders lie in store. But for now, as the local song goes, “Auprès de ma blonde, Qu’il fait bon, fait bon, fait bon” – “Next to my darling, how good, how good it feels.”

Until next time, remember, the world is a garden, and we are but gnomes passing through. Au revoir!

Terrasson-Lavilledieu, a jewel in the heart of France, is a treasure trove of rich history and culture. The city is home to the enchanting Jardins de l’Imaginaire (Gardens of the Imagination), a contemporary garden designed by Katie Gustafson. It’s a remarkable tableau of greenery, water, and stone that emulates the journey of mankind’s imagination. As Voltaire said, “Il faut cultiver notre jardin” (We must cultivate our garden), and the people of Terrasson-Lavilledieu have done just that.

In the heart of the city, you’ll find Eglise Saint Sour, a stunning 12th century church. Here, the echoes of the past blend with the present, as if composing a symphony reminiscent of Debussy’s work, who once mused, “La musique est le silence entre les notes” (Music is the silence between the notes). This is a place where silence speaks volumes, resonating with centuries of prayers, hopes and dreams. Visit Terrasson-Lavilledieu, where every stone tells a story.