Have you often wondered who lives in all those once-deserted lock keeper cottages alongside French canals? Well I have and now I know. It’s French people and English people and Dutch people who have taken a step sideways to a slower life.
Where I have just stopped, the Dutch lady and her sister had taken over the rental lease from their aunt. They said it cost peanuts and now they live a life offering coffee, tea and comfiture to passing travellers like me. At 1 Euro a cup the price is very reasonable as they don’t do it for the money but just the occasional chat. They also grow their own vegetables, buy their meat from the local farmer and run about on their little Vesper scooter.
They used to live in Montpelier in the south but found it too hot and want to be within easy reach of their children back home in Holland if ever there is a problem. Meanwhile the English couple up the canal path run a B&B at 50 Euro per night, including hearty breakfast. It’s a bit too pricy for me but it keeps the wolf from their door.
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