Fontainebleau
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 87: The weather in Fontainebleau today is as undecided as a gnome at a crossroads! I’m shivering in 9.05°C, but feeling like it’s 6.72°C. It’s like being in a fridge, not a garden! The clouds are as broken as my old gnome boots, with patches of blue peeking through. Humidity at 66% is making my beard frizzier than a squirrel’s tail! And this 4.25 m/s wind? It’s trying to blow me off course! Good luck, wind, I’m a gnome, not a feather!
Baguettes and Standstill Bagatelles!
Now you might be wondering, “Oliver, what’s there to describe about not moving an inch?”. Well, dear readers, it’s not about the distance covered, but the depth of the experience gained.
One magnificent observation leapt out at me as I stood still, taking in the sights and sounds of Fontainebleau. I noticed that even in the same place, the world around us changes in each passing moment. The sun sets, casting new shadows; the wind blows, bringing new scents; the people move, creating new scenes.
This reminded me of a beautiful French proverb, “Chaque jour apporte son pain” (Every day brings its bread). Every day, even in the same place, brings new experiences, new learnings and fresh baguettes!
In my 86 days on the road, I’ve traversed a grand total of 2288.2 kilometers. I’ve had the privilege of visiting cities such as Melun and Montereau, each with its own unique charm and character.
And now, a local verse I’ve picked up that beautifully captures my journey so far. “Je suis né quelque part, Je suis né quelque part, Laissez-moi ce repère, Ou je perds la mémoire“. (I was born somewhere, Leave me this landmark, Or I lose my memory). It’s from a song by Georges Brassens, a beloved French singer-songwriter. It’s a poignant reminder that no matter how far we travel, there’s always a part of us that yearns for the familiar.
So, whether I’m crossing borders and adjusting to language changes, or standing still and observing the world around me, every day is an adventure.
Until next time, à bientôt (see you soon)!
Wandering Fontainebleau’s Streets
Gnome-Gazing at Fontainebleau
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Fontainebleau.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Fontainebleau: Royal Retreat or Gnome’s Feet?
Firstly, the city’s crown jewel, the Château de Fontainebleau. A royal château that served as a residence for French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. As the French say, “C’est magnifique!” (It’s magnificent!). This place is not just a castle, it’s a grand page of French history etched in stone.
Secondly, the city is also known for the Forêt de Fontainebleau. A former royal hunting park, this forest is a natural spectacle. It’s said that Debussy, the famous composer, once walked these woods for inspiration. Perhaps he hummed “Clair de Lune” under its leafy arches.
“Tout est calme, tout est serein” (All is calm, all is serene), the city seems to whisper. Ah, Fontainebleau, a city where history and nature dance a beautiful minuet. It’s a sight to behold for a weary traveler like me.
A bientôt! (See you soon!)
Baguettes, Battles, and Château Bustle
Ah, Fontainebleau! The city that breathes history and culture. Here, the days are filled with the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike, visiting the famous Château de Fontainebleau and strolling through the vibrant Marché de Fontainebleau. The air is often filled with the phrase, “C’est magnifique!” (It’s magnificent!). The locals start their day with a hearty petit déjeuner (breakfast) of croissants and café au lait (coffee with milk). There’s always a lively debate at the local boulangerie (bakery) over the merits of “baguette traditionnelle” versus “baguette de campagne” (traditional baguette vs. country baguette). The city is a testament to the phrase, “Joie de vivre” (joy of living). Ah yes, life in Fontainebleau is truly “une belle vie” (a beautiful life)!
Gnome’s Gander at Fontainebleau
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 