Bonjour mes amis! It’s your favorite globetrotting gnome, Oliver, here. Today, I’m going to take you on a 57.0km journey I recently made from Bar-sur-Seine to Chaumont, France.

As I sauntered through the scenic French countryside, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the vineyards that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. The sight of the golden grapes, ripe for picking, was a testament to the labor and love poured into these fields.

While making my way through the picturesque landscape, I stumbled upon a quaint little farm. Its rustic charm was only surpassed by the warm hospitality of the owner, Madame Brigitte. She introduced me to the art of making cheese, a process she called “fromageage”. It was a fascinating insight into the local way of life.

“Le fromage est une symphonie que l’on déguste avec les yeux fermés,” she said. In English, that means, “Cheese is a symphony savored with closed eyes.” Oh, the profound wisdom hidden in these simple words!

As I continue my grand journey, I’ve been on the road for 94 days and I’ve traveled a total of 2493.8 kilometers so far. From Romilly-sur-Seine to La Chapelle-Saint-Luc, from Bar-sur-Seine to Chaumont, and most recently Bourbonne-les-Bains, each stop has been an adventure filled with new experiences and insights.

As I continue to chart my way through the heart of France, I’m reminded of a French saying, “Un kilomètre à pied, ça use, ça use.” which translates to, “A kilometer on foot, it wears, it wears.” But I say, “A kilometer on foot, it enriches, it enriches.”

Until the next post, remember, life is like a garden, it’s all about how you tend to it. Au revoir!

Chaumont, a city of immense culture and history, is home to two remarkable gems. The first is the Basilique Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This basilique, as we say in French, is “un spectacle pour les yeux” – a feast for the eyes. It houses the oldest bell in France, affectionately named “Jeanne d’Arc”. Ringing since the 15th century, it’s a musical tribute to time itself.

The second gem is the annual International Poster and Graphic Design Festival or “Festival International de l’Affiche et du Graphisme”. This remarkable event attracts artists and graphic designers from around the world, honouring Chaumont’s rich artistic legacy. It’s a vibrant homage to the famous French artist Henri Matisse who once said, “Creativity takes courage”.

This city, a perfect blend of history and creativity, is a living proof that indeed, “La vie est une aventure audacieuse ou rien du tout” – Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.