As I strolled along the winding country roads, breathing in the fresh air scented with the sweet aroma of flowers, I couldn’t help but notice the picturesque landscape of the French countryside. The rolling hills, the lush green fields and the quaint farmhouses dotted here and there, it was a sight to behold.

But what caught my eye most was a group of children playing a game of pétanque. Yes, you heard it right, pétanque, a French game where the goal is to toss or roll hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. The sight of these young ones playing a game so traditional, so French, filled my gnome heart with joy. It was a beautiful reminder of how traditions and culture endure. As the French say, “Les traditions sont le guide de la vie“, meaning “Traditions are the guide of life”.

After a journey of 39.0km, my overall distance traveled now stands at a whopping 1859.6 kilometers, and I’ve been on the road for 67 days. From the bustling town of Ambazac, to the historic city of La Souterraine, to the charming town of Argenton-sur-Creuse, and several places in between, it’s been a whirlwind of adventures.

As I continue my journey, I carry with me the words of a famous French song, “On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux“, which translates to “One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eyes”. What a beautiful sentiment to remember as we explore the world around us!

Until next time, remember, in the words of the great French philosopher Voltaire, “Il faut cultiver notre jardin“, which means “We must cultivate our own garden”. So, keep growing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep traveling!

Au revoir and keep following my journey!

One captivating feature of this city is the Musée de la Chemiserie et de l’Elégance masculine. It’s a museum dedicated entirely to men’s shirts and elegance. Mais oui, you heard it right! It’s a charming testament to Argenton’s past as a hub for shirt-making, and it’s just my size. It’s like stepping into a Dumas novel, surrounded by the elegance of the Musketeers!

Secondly, the city is lovingly referred to as the “Venise du Berry” for its charming river Creuse. Walking along the River Creuse, I felt like I was in a painting by Monet, with the quaint houses reflecting in the calm waters.

As the great French poet Paul Valéry once said, “Le plus grand voyageur n’est pas celui qui a fait dix fois le tour du monde, mais celui qui a fait une seule fois le tour de lui-même.” (The greatest traveler is not the one who has made the tour of the world ten times, but the one who has made the tour of himself once). And Argenton-sur-Creuse, with its rich history and culture, certainly offers a journey into oneself.

Au revoir for now, until my next destination!