Montbéliard
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 98 in Montbéliard and the clouds are playing a game of hide and seek with the sun. The temperature is at a cool 16.14°C; feels like 15.56°C to my gnome skin, a bit nippy but nothing a woolly hat can’t handle. Humidity’s at 67%, so my beard’s curling up like a fern frond. The wind is blowing at 3.74 m/s, just enough to give my hat a good flap and make me look dashing. At least the overcast clouds make a grand backdrop for my gnome selfies!
Doubs-tingly Delightful Detour!
Montbéliard welcomed me with a charming blend of French and Germanic influences, an interesting observation not lost on this seasoned traveler. It’s as though the city is a beautiful symphony, composed with notes borrowed from two distinct yet harmonious cultures. “Vive la différence!” as they say, or in English, “Long live the difference!”
How could I forget my favorite part of the journey though? The memorable crossing of the River Doubs. Ah, the Doubs! As I stood by its banks, the river whispering tales of old, I was reminded of a beautiful local song that goes, “Au fil de l’eau, Doubs tu m’emportes, Dans ton courant, je laisse flotter mes pensées.” (“With the flow of water, Doubs you carry me, In your current, I let my thoughts float.”) This river, my friends, is not just a water body; it’s the lifeblood of this region, a silent yet powerful storyteller.
Now, let’s not forget the stats, shall we? I’ve been on the road for 98 days, traveled a total of 2640.2 kilometers so far, with recent stops including Bourbonne-les-Bains, Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse, Lure, and now, the delightful Montbéliard.
As a famous French philosopher once said, “Le monde est un livre dont chaque pas nous ouvre une page.” (“The world is a book, and each step opens a page.”) So here’s to many more kilometers, countless more pages, and an endless stream of adventures.
A bientôt! (See you soon!)
Wandering Montbéliard’s Streets
Gnome-Guided Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Montbéliard.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Castles, Cumin, and Cured Meat!
Secondly, Montbéliard is known for its unique Montbéliard Sausage. It’s a delightful blend of pork, salt, pepper, and a hint of cumin. As Gustave Flaubert, the famous French novelist once penned, “On ne peut penser bien que le ventre plein” — You can’t think well if your belly isn’t full!
Montbéliard, you are a banquet for both the heart and stomach!
Journey in a Sausage Casing!
Bonjour from Montbéliard! Let me share a traditional recipe, La Saucisse de Montbéliard. C’est délicieux – it’s delicious!
Ingredients: 1 kg pork shoulder, 200 g back fat, 28 g salt, 2 g pepper, 1 clove garlic, and 2.5 g quatre-épices (four-spices).
Preparation: Mince the pork and fat together. Add the salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and quatre-épices. Mix well. Stuff the mixture into a natural casing and twist off every 10 cm.
To cook, as the locals say, “Faites frémir pendant 20 minutes dans de l’eau non salée en évitant l’ébullition” – Simmer for 20 minutes in unsalted water, avoiding boiling.
Serve with potatoes and a good vin du Jura – wine from Jura. Bon appétit – enjoy your meal!
Remember, good food is like a journey, “Le bonheur est dans l’assiette” – Happiness is on the plate!
Gnome Roaming Montbéliard Marvels
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 