What’s happening: Steeming & Streeming - in France

Last minute planning of our summer vacation is becoming our tradition. Despite the uncertainty, we have only had successes. This year was no exception.

We got an Airbnb in a villa in Verteuil-sur-Charente, France. Maison de Moulin Gite is perfectly located in the shade of the Chateau de Verteuil and next to the 18th century mill of Verteuil. The fairytaile castle has stones from its 11th century beginnings and adds to the magic of the village. It towers over and has a rich history due its strategic location of the village. The castle is still dwelled in by the La Roochefoucauldt family.

Our small villa is quaint and authentic but regal enough with thick stone walls protecting us from the sweltering heat outside.

We were forewarned that our first day would be *steeming• hot. Stepping outside was more like going to a sauna than going sightseeing. Third World came to mind -“96 degrees in the shade” and Ella Fitzgerald’s “It’s too darn hot” - but what a sight to behold!!

The Charente river is basically outside our front door. Sitting by its banks is simply calming and also cooling. The swans and ducks makes it idyllic adding to its charm.

Next door to our villa is the 18th century Le Moulin Verteuil - the water mill which operates with dammed water from the river. The mill makes the flour - which makes the famous brioche - which made my delicious breakfast. In my opinion, the brioche is a gastronomic masterpiece of the French kitchen. The mill made the best that’s ever graced my palate.

Allow me to go on about it (a bit more).This brioche bread was pretty to look at but the taste was even better. The rugged flakiness of the outside and the soft fluffiness of the inside which melted on my tongue while chewing. mmmmm

The proud owner and baker of the mill and his daughter took me on a tour. Impressive.

The mill attracts it’s fair share of tourists. Is it the brioche, the coffee, the view of the castle, the riverside cafe, the swooshing sound of the river while dining on the terrace or is it the delicious magret de canard (seared duck breast with honey) or the home-made pizzas? Maybe it’s the friendly staff and the parting canole which is definitely enticing for a follow-up visit. An option for our next visit is the elegant and spacious air-bnb above the mill.

I made my way down the river in a canoe - while many swam or wade around to cool off.

I stopped paddling and allowed the current to take me downstreem. I was totally having zen moments.
The crystal clear water became mirror-like and there it was again in the water.

The castle seems to be everywhere - but could the dominant feature of this village really be the river; this streeming energetic river with so much happening based on it.
I also wondered whether the serenity and clarity of the river has a positive effect on everyone’s countenance - both residents and tourists alike. It is very quite here and no one passes by without the usual - bon jour, bon soir and bon nuit.

I believe any self- respecting medieval village has a church with a steeple. I found the Saint-Médard church perched loftily on a hill with a great view of the castle.

The church boasts no lavish adornments but has a life-sized statue of the entombment of Jesus Christ which was originally commisioned for the castle.

... and my showers of blessings came that same night. It was of a celestial nature -not rain- but stars. After star-gazing for a while with my family - there was suddenly a black out. Haha. All street lights are out at 1 a.m. Then the show really began. Shooting stars and more......

......It’s now my last morning by the Charente river. I will miss the singing birds as my alarm clock. However, it’s time to bid adieu - bon jour!!!