Village Life

Village life in France is entertaining, friendly and sometimes dramatic. There is a real sense of community, even if you don’t know everyone. If we go out in the village, we greet everyone we see. Sometimes there is a small chat. The pace of village life is very different to an urban life. Whether you like it or not.

French village life sometimes means the police at the door | PumpjackPiddlewick

I am a great fan of detective fiction. Give me a Sue Grafton, J.D. Robb and especially the classic Agatha Christie ‘who done it’ any day. Consequently, I read frequently of police at the door asking questions, garnering answers. It’s something you read about, but it just doesn’t happen inRead More →

Enjoy the Saint Vincent Tournante in Bourgogne France with PumpjackPiddlewick

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, though the concept behind ‘giving thanks’ can actually be found in many countries. For example, here in Burgundy, France there is the Saint Vincent Tournante. A very French take on thanks giving. This is a festival that is normally held during the last weekendRead More →

The monster in the lake in our French village at PumpjackPiddlewick

Here’s a to do. Our village has it’s very own Loch Ness monster. Except we are in France. And it is not a loch but a small fishing lake. Still, we have our very own monster in the lake. And what excitement he has caused. And with just cause. HeRead More →

The village bells at PumpjackPiddlewick

The weekend was spent working in the garden, clearing the dying flowers and plants. As dusk descended, the village bells told me it was time to stop. Seven times they rang, and then once again. And then lots of general clanging. The additional clanging is a twice a day thingRead More →