This beautiful fortified village in the north of France used to be a thriving 19th century commercial hub, but when I arrived on that warm summer afternoon, the town was practically empty and still. I had to climb over a small railing on the water’s edge to enter the Chateau. Once inside a dark and dusty adventure began - leading to this treasure, a huge array of dusty books, historical magazines and a beautiful display of silk flowers by the shuttered up windows. After enjoying this incredible location, I sat in a beautiful bandstand in the only lively part of the village and enjoyed a slice of pizza and a cold soda can from a snack van which had parked up there. When I think about it, I still find it quite bizarre, that extreme contrast from the Chateau’s time capsule to the modern takeaway break.
G.S.
