Pourquoi? Why Stay in La Charité?

Raison #1: I love the river.

I have never enjoyed a river as much as I have enjoyed the Loire River. I often walk across this bridge to reach a small island. There is almost no car traffic on the island but there are paths to walk and cycle, benches on which to sit and read while looking across at the town, stone houses with gardens and a restaurant with a terrace and a friendly dog. Yes, the dog belongs to the restaurant.

She watches the restaurant patrons but she doesn't beg. Tilde could learn from her.

My second reason for choosing La Charité is its size. It's a small town with a rich history. The ramparts, priory and chateau form a backdrop for modern small town life. As the population is just under 5,000

people and September is back to school and work time, tourists are few. Many shops are closed Monday and Tuesday and almost all shutter for a 2 hour pause mid-day. Restaurants will not serve before noon or after 2:00. They open again (sometimes) at 7:00pm. There are community-based activities. I have visited two brocants that have supported the Lions children's programme and a church refugee fund. Vintage linens, housewares, books....I wish I had a bigger suitcase.

A brocant in La Charité is like a treasure chest of French collectables

 And then (raison #3), there are the mots (words) painted on walls under windows, over doors, everywhere you look.

You are forced (if you read French) to pause, read and think. Something that I enjoy doing. 

Perhaps, for today, I should let the walls have the last word.