Bisous from the countryside.
Do you know about “les grandes vacances”? In France, les grandes vacances/the big holidays is an important annual event. Every summer, the French take weeks off work to head away on holiday. In August, if you arrive in Paris, you might be surprised to see “fermeture exceptionnelle” signs in many windows. Schools close for two months, shops close, and even many boulangeries.
TIP: If you are looking for downtime and tranquility, be sure to know when children have their mid-year school breaks too. It’s a rolling period based on location, and the calendars are available online.
The French summer holidays begin when schools take a break and last until la rentrée (a term used for children and adults re-entering or going back to work).
Most of France takes a holiday at this time of year, which means many people are moving around the country, traffic congestions, and popular summer destinations are busting at the seams (PLUS tourists!).
Right now, I am avoiding Saint-Malo and will create an updated video tour of the ville when the tourists have left and before I return to Paris. Swipe to see my photo collage. I share with you one of the glorious bits of being out of the city and in the countryside here – the calm and beauty of nature. In 🇫🇷 France 🇫🇷 !!
The first image is of a pasture behind my house. It is where I upload videos for you! My property doesn’t have a strong cell signal or internet for video uploading. So, when you see a new video from me, think of me standing in this field – for YOU!
Next up are a few fun shots from my garden. The apples are coming along nicely. I planted “salade” for my dinners, and the roses are coming into a new round of blooms.
I wish you a wonderful weekend. Oh! And if you like house-hunting online, I found a gem today. It’s up in my Instagram story for the next 12 or so hours.
Bisous and big hugs 🤗 from France,
Shannon