Why Frenchwomen Don't Get Fat (Really)

Number one reason:stairs

There are many explanations about why Frenchwomen don't get fat but after spending a month in rural France, I have some of my own ideas. The number one reason is stairs. Over the last 4 weeks, I have been averaging 7 flights a day. At home, I take the elevator to my third floor apartment. 

lots of walking paths  (with benches to rest)

I really enjoy walking for a while and then sitting on a bench to enjoy my surroundings or to read.

There is a lot of work being done to promote the enjoyment of the natural setting of the Loire River. Benches, lounges and tables are located at regular intervals. 

I've been stopping at the tabac (newsstand) to buy a French newspaper or magazine.

In France, I have been enjoying the fresh fruit from the Saturday market. Each of my days begins with 

slice of fresh melon. The fruits and vegetables from the market taste so flavourful. I'm wondering how to enjoy better quality produce at home.

I love the Satuday market.

The French like to label. Real estate listings include graphics showing energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Food has labels indicating nutritional values.

My tuna salad and Bio bread are A rating and my ham is  C.

 

I bought this San Pellegrino drink but it is an E rating. I have not drunk it.

It seems to me that although there are pastries at the boulangerie and a menu formule includes three courses (entrée, plat and dessert), portions in France are smaller than in North America. 

I have only a few days left in La Charité before taking the train back to Paris. There are rail strikes in France and UK right now so plans need to be changed constantly. I've a couple of days in Paris before I meet daughter in London. She's bringing me a size smaller pair of jeans. Those stairs must be working!

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.