La Ferté-Saint-Aubin
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 70: La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, the clouds are as grey as my grumpy mood. But, at least the temperature of 7.68°C means I’m not freezing my gnome-knickers off! Feels like 6.59°C they say, and I say, “Feels like it’s time for a woolly hat!” The 1.89 m/s wind speed is giving me a Marilyn Monroe moment, except, instead of a dress, it’s my beard fluttering! Humidity at 72% – my hat’s off to the snails, they must be loving it. I’m a garden gnome, not a garden swimmer, but hey, you don’t see me complaining
Bready or Not, Here I Crumb!
One of the most interesting things I noticed on my journey was a small, quaint bakery just outside Vierzon. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, luring me in. It was like something straight out of a rustic painting. “Quand le pain est bon, tout est bon!” – “When the bread is good, everything is good!” – as the locals would say.
Now, remember, I’ve been on the road for 70 days, travelling 1999.9 kilometers so far. I’ve been to some pretty interesting places, including Argenton-sur-Creuse, Issoudun, and Olivet. But, let me tell you, nothing compares to the smell of French bread first thing in the morning.
I didn’t cross any borders on this journey, but I’m always ready for a language change. After all, a gnome’s gotta do what a gnome’s gotta do!
And now, for a bit of local wisdom, courtesy of a friendly baker I met: “Le pain cuit, tout le monde se réjouit.” – “Bread baked, everyone rejoices.”
Well, that’s all for now. Stay tuned for more gnome-sized tales of adventure from all corners of the globe. As they say here in France, “Au revoir et à bientôt!” – “Goodbye and see you soon!”
Wandering La Ferté-Saint-Aubin’s Streets
Tiny Hands, Big Canvas
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of La Ferté-Saint-Aubin.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Upside-Down Tart Town!
And then there’s the city’s gastronomy. La Ferté-Saint-Aubin is known for its Tarte Tatin, an upside-down caramelized apple tart. The tale goes that it was accidentally created by the Tatin sisters, who operated the Hôtel Tatin. As they say, “Le meilleur accident de l’histoire!” (The best accident in history!).
This charming city reminds me of a verse by French poet Victor Hugo, “Chaque ville a son génie” (Each city has its genius). Indeed, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin is a genius in preserving the past and offering a taste of France’s culinary heritage.
Croissants, Châteaux, and ‘Bonne Nuit!
Ah, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin! A city teeming with history and culture. The locals, or ‘Fertois’, as they’re called, have a quaint routine. They start their day with a “Bonjour!” (Good morning) and a buttery, flaky croissant from the local bakery. Afternoons are often spent visiting the magnificent Château de la Ferté-Saint-Aubin or strolling through the serene Forêt Domaniale. Dining is a gastronomical delight with a hearty “Bon appétit!” (Enjoy your meal). As the sun sets, the city winds down with a gentle “Bonne nuit!” (Good night). In La Ferté, culture is not just history, it’s a way of life.
Gnome’s Gander at La Ferté
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 