Argenteuil
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 80 in Argenteuil, and it’s a drizzly affair. At a nippy 13.96°C, it feels more like 13.66°C, but who am I, a gnome, to split hairs? The light rain is like a free spa day, only colder and less relaxing. Humidity is at a whopping 86%, making my beard frizzier than a troll’s hair on a bad day. The wind, traveling at 4.63 m/s, is playing a game of ‘let’s see how far we can push Oliver’. But I stand firm, literally, because that’s what gnomes do. Weather – 0, Gnome – 1!
Asparagus Adventure: Gnome-ward Bound!
One of my observations that truly stood out was the stark contrast between the bustling urban life and the serene countryside, a juxtaposition that France is renowned for. As I journeyed on, the sporadic city noises were replaced by the soothing whispers of nature. The air got fresher, the landscapes greener, and the pace of life slower. It’s as if Mother Nature herself was serenading me with a beautiful song, “La vie en rose” (Life in pink) – a popular French tune that perfectly encapsulates this experience.
Argenteuil, famous for its asparagus and grapes, was a feast for the senses. The city left me musing, “La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel” which translates to, “Life is a flower of which love is the honey”. Ah, the sweet taste of French philosophy!
Now, let’s take a minute to reflect on my journey so far. I’ve been on the road for 79 days, traveled a staggering 2202.1 kilometers! My recent stops were diverse and included the likes of Versailles, Boulogne-Billancourt, Pontault-Combault, and now, Argenteuil. Paris, the city of Lights, is also part of this grand adventure.
À bientôt (See you soon), as I continue to tread upon this beautiful, winding road that is life. Stay tuned for more of my journey, more of my musings, and more of the world through the eyes of a gnome!
Wandering Argenteuil’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Blunders
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Argenteuil.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Monet’s Floating Studio and Proust’s Asparagus!
Argenteuil’s rich history doesn’t end there. It’s also famous for the Asparagus of Argenteuil, a gourmet delight cherished by none other than the renowned French writer Marcel Proust. He once said, “Les véritables paradis sont les paradis qu’on a perdus“, or “The real paradises are the paradises that we have lost”. He must have been thinking about the taste of this heavenly asparagus!
From artist’s workshops on water to gastronomic treasures, Argenteuil has it all. Au revoir for now, my friends!
Monet’s Cheesy Jazz Palette
Argenteuil’s culture is defined by its rich history and artistic heritage. It’s home to the Monet’s Studio Boat, where the famous artist painted some of his masterpieces. The phrase “L’art pour l’art” (Art for art’s sake) finds its true meaning here. The city’s cuisine is also noteworthy, featuring local specialities like “Brie de Meaux” (a type of cheese) and “Coq au vin” (chicken in wine). The city’s vibrant music scene is marked by the annual Jazz Musette des Puces festival. Argenteuil’s cultural scene is a vibrant mélange, a “pot-pourri” (mixture) of history, art, music, and gastronomy. It’s a city that truly embodies the French saying, “joie de vivre” (joy of living).
Gnome’s Eye: Argenteuil Attractions
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 