Up High In Montpeyroux In The Auvergne

We had passed the picturesque Auvergnat village of Montpeyroux so many times before on our way to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, intending to stop and visit. But time after time, we just glanced from the car window as we drove by. This year, we finally managed to set a day aside to explore this charming place.

Montpeyroux is classifies as one of 156 of the 'prettiest villages in France' and it definitely merits its place on that list. Situated an top of a hill, Montperoux's ancient stone houses, some dating from the early 1100's, along winding cobblestoned streets. Right in the center of this medieval village, there stands a dungeon from the XIII. century, from which, if you dare climb its winding stone steps, one has the most amazing views of the famous Chaîne Des Puys, or chain of volcanos, which dominate the landscape of the Auvergne.

Once populated by stone masons and wine makers, Montpeyroux has now become home to many artists and artisans. It has about 350 inhabitants. The houses have been lovingly restored and the most beautiful flowers grow everywhere in the village.

What I admire more than anything here in France is the love of history, the respect for what came before and the tireless effort to preserve this rich past.

Though Montpeyroux is obviously quite a bit older than Carroll Gardens, our own Brooklyn neighborhood, deserves the same respect and the same preservation for future generations.

Wouldn't you say?

More News From The Auvergne

No heat wave here in the Auvergne, dear friends. It has been raining off and on for the last ten days, with the sun only coming out occasionally. The temperature hovers around 70 degrees during the day, and at night, it dips to about 45 degrees.

This morning, we were finally hopeful that it would clear up since there were patches of blue in the sky. However, my husband just pocked his nose out, came back right away and said: " I hear thunder."

We did manage to walk down to the bakery this morning to get our daily bread.

Apart from the weather, we are having a good time. We have started making a list of all the chores that we need to take care of this summer. First on the list is to finish painting the hallway and to sand the staircase, as well as to paint a few windows.

But first, I think I will take a little break to cut a slice of fresh bread and load it up with abricot jam made by one of our neighbors.

Les Halles In Lyon: A Foodie's Paradise

Sorry about the many mentions of food and markets since I have been in France, but, how can I not, I ask you? This is a foodie's paradise, after all. Everywhere you turn in this country, you are reminded that the French have perfected the culinary arts and that they are serious about their breads, cheeses, pastries, wines, and well, every other food as well.

While in Lyon, the food capital of France, we stopped at Paul Bocuse's temple of food, "Les Halles", which unites 58 food purveyors in one place. Oh, my, dear Readers! Just look at all the delicacies above and you will get a sense of the gastronomic temptations one is exposed to under one roof. How can anyone resist, I ask you?

In case you are ever in Lyon, here is the address:

Les Halles de Lyon
102, cours Lafayette
Part-Dieu
69003 Lyon

A Tiny Glimpse Of Sting In Lyon

A (blurry) view of the ancient Roman Theatre in Lyon last night

A little glimpse of Sting as he performed at the Roman Theatre last night.

Those without tickets, trying to listen to the concert

I found out too late that Sting was performing in Lyon last night when I was here as well. By the time I realized, the concert was sold out. (Honestly, even if they had been available, I wouldn't have been able to afford them.)

The concert took place outdoors in the old Roman theatre in the old part of town. The setting must have been spectacular for those lucky enough to hold tickets. For everyone else, a spot along the street above the theatre offered a small glimpse of the singer and some pretty great acoustics. I stayed long enough to hear him perform 6 or 7 songs. Pretty fantastic.

And just in case you were wondering. No, I did not climb that fence, but I was tempted.

Lou Reed and Brian Ferry will be performing at the same theatre next week-end. Tickets are still available for the Ferry concert, in case you just happen to be in Lyon then.

A Quick Hello From Lyon

A very quick hello from Lyon, the gastronomical capital of France. My daughter is returning back to the US tomorrow morning bright and early, so we thought we would take advantage by spending a day in this lovely city. After four weeks in the Auvergne countryside, it feels great being back in a more urban surrounding, though I am not ready to get back to Brooklyn and the heat.

While here, we had lunch at Paul Bocuse's bistro 'Le Nord.' The food was wonderful, of course. I am getting used to three-course lunches with wine. I guess that's a bad thing, right?

I was rather entertained by this woman who was sitting next to us with her little lap dog. (As far as I could tell, she did not share her Bocuse meal with her pooch.)

A Moment In Time: The Little Stroller Mom

Couldn't resist taking her photo as she walked by, pushing her little doll stroller through the streets of a small town in the Auvergne.