Bonjour mes amis! It’s your favorite wandering gnome, Oliver, back with another tale from the path. Let’s talk about my 17.2km journey from La Ferté-Saint-Aubin to Olivet, both nestled in the heart of beautiful France.

The journey was as picturesque as you might imagine, with lush green fields stretching out as far as the eye can see. But what struck me the most was an old, forgotten windmill, standing tall amidst the rolling French countryside. “Les moulins de mon coeur,” as Michel Legrand sang – “The windmills of my heart.” It was a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the impermanence of things. Truly, “La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel” – “Life is a flower of which love is the honey,” as Victor Hugo beautifully put it.

Olivet welcomed me with open arms, its tranquil river Loiret providing a blanket of serenity after my journey. In the distance, the majestic Loire Valley castles reminded me of the rich history of this region.

Over the past 71 days, I’ve trudged along 2017.2 kilometers of roads and trails. From the quaint town of Issoudun to the vibrant city of Vierzon, then onto the charming La Ferté-Saint-Aubin and now, the peaceful Olivet. Each step, each kilometer has been a story, a verse in the poetry of this journey.

Remember, my friends, as we say in French, “Rien n’est permanent, sauf le changement” – “Nothing is permanent, except change.” With each border crossed, language shifts and new cultures unfold, but the heart of the journey remains the same. Embrace the change, embrace the journey!

Until next time, “Au revoir et bon voyage!” (Goodbye and have a good trip!)

Oliver, le gnome voyageur

Two fascinating things about the city of Olivet are its rich history and its peaceful canals. Found nestled along the Loiret river, Olivet’s charming canals are known as “Les Moulins” (The Mills) which were used in the past for milling grain. I even learned a local saying, “Qui a bu, boira“, which translates to “He who has drunk, will drink again”, a delightful nod to the city’s milling history.

The city is also home to a beautiful chateau, Château de la Ferté, which exudes a sense of timeless grandeur and elegance. It’s said that Victor Hugo, one of France’s most famous poets and novelists, often sought refuge here to draw inspiration for his works. Walking through the corridors, one can almost hear the echoes of his quill scratching against parchment, crafting verses that would resonate through the ages. In Olivet, the past and the present blend seamlessly, creating a tapestry of history and culture that is truly fascinating.