Bonjour mes amis! Today’s journey took me from the historic city of Orléans to the charming town of Fleury-les-Aubrais, a mere 3.5 kilometers apart. Ah, it’s an easy stroll for a seasoned gnome like me.

Now, you may think 3.5 kilometers is a short distance, but let me tell you, it’s the journey not the destination that counts. As the French philosopher, Marcel Proust once said, “Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux.” (The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.)

One particular observation that delighted me was the sight of the historic Chemin de Fer de Petite Ceinture, a disused railway line that once circled Paris. Time may have forgotten this place, but the trees and flowers that have reclaimed it sang a silent song of resilience. It reminded me of a verse from a local folk song: “Les fleurs du printemps sont les rêves de l’hiver racontés, le matin, à la table des anges.” (The flowers of spring are the dreams of winter told, in the morning, at the table of the angels.)

As I tread along, my little gnome feet have so far covered a distance of 2028.4 kilometers in the past 73 days. From the enchanting castle of La Ferté-Saint-Aubin to the calm banks of the river in Olivet and the bustling streets of Orléans, every step is a memory to cherish.

And so, my journey continues. There are no borders for a gnome, just new gardens to explore and new friends to make. À la prochaine! (Until next time!)

Ah, Fleury-les-Aubrais, a place that tickles the heart of gnomes with an affinity for French history and culture. First off, this city is a testament to the resiliency of the French spirit, having been heavily bombed during World War II, yet it stands today, a phoenix risen from the ashes. Its reconstruction is a remarkable feat, a tribute to the French saying, “Après la pluie, le beau temps” (After the rain, the good weather).

Secondly, Fleury-les-Aubrais is the birthplace of the renowned poet Pierre-Jean de Béranger, whose witty verses and satirical songs made him a household name in the 19th century France. His influence on French culture is evident, with the phrase “Il faut rire avant d’être heureux, de peur de mourir sans avoir ri” (One must laugh before being happy, for fear of dying without having laughed), still resonating to this day.

Visiting Fleury-les-Aubrais is like stepping into a living page of French history and culture, a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience and the enduring power of words.