Saturday 30 July 2016

BOUSSAC 

A gentle place, where time stands still

This great photo was taken by Nicolas Neyret, a photographer living in Boussac whom I met on the day I left!

What is it about Boussac? ... I have asked myself and others this question so often.  Boussac is a small market town in the Creuse - a rural Department slap bang in the middle of France.  It is a town that is difficult to get to.  There are numerous ways to get here, by train and plane, but there is always a drive involved and it does become tedious!  We have been wondering whether the TGV will, in fact, be routed nearby as was once suggested... 
  Of course,  this also ensures that Boussac remains in some sort of time warp as tourists seldom choose Boussac as their destination.  

We have loved our quiet holidays here and this time was no exception.  I love to cook when I am in France.  There are the markets where locally grown fresh produce is beautifully displayed in colourful wooden crates.  I love Thursdays in Boussac when the markets come to town.  I normally sling the basket over my shoulder and take the short walk up to the square where the hustle and bustle of the stalls going up begins at 6.00 in the morning.  

My first stop is usually the  mobile Poulet Roti van where I buy a farm reared, roasted chicken or poulet fermier.  There is usually a queue and it is always good to get there early!   Predictably, Thursday lunch is cold chicken and a salad!   Poulet au Pot, seen below, is one of my favourite things to cook in Boussac as the chickens in France are so delicious, always tasting like 'old-fashioned' chickens!  This dish is so easy to prepare, so hearty and comforting on a chilly evening.


My preparations for Poulet au Pot


This year, we arrived in Boussac just in time to catch the last of the white asparagus season.  I adore the subtle flavour of these ivory spears.  The photo below was taken just before I cooked them.  I usually add the white spears to a salad or alternatively, serve them with lashings of butter and lemon juice!




Although I love cooking in France,  I also like to prepare dishes that are easy and summery.  Loads of roasted capsicum,  grilled zucchini, green salads, gently saute'ed fennel and new potatoes, always accompanied by plenty of fresh herbs.    Duck breasts, cooked on the BBQ, beef fillets, veal cutlets and fresh fish are our favourites.






Our beautiful 14thC church square.  There are sometimes wonderful concerts held in this church - piano recitals and opera are delightful to experience inside these ancient walls.  Sometimes, we loiter outside enjoying the sounds drifting out of the doors and windows...

When the weather starts warming up the doors on the small balcony off my bedroom stay open all day.


The warm sunlit evenings means eating in the garden which is such a pleasure.  We have an old Tulip tree sitting in the middle of the parterre garden and the table beneath is in the shade all day.  



I also took to walking each evening at 9.00pm with my neighbour and dear friend Deirdre.  We were grateful for the street lights which guided our return as the evenings grow dark around 10.00pm.  
The 15thC Chateau de Boussac which we pass by on our evening walk.

One of the little cottages which nestle on the flat area beneath the Chateau.
The little river and waterfall beneath the Chateau is always such a lovely sight.
Some random photos of the house and garden follow.
The seating area in the library

View out of the library window onto the garden

The other side of the library
The Long room early one morning

The table in the dining room before lunch, when the weather was chilly.

Taken early one morning with the first rays just touching the house. 




We get exciting electrical storms in Boussac and the two photos above show the build-up.  There was lots of thunder and lightening and hail after this particular storm!
View to the dining room from the tiny kitchen

One sweet corner of the garden

View from my bathroom window

The tiny kitchen where everything is possible!


Happy weekend everyone!


21 comments:

  1. Idyllic! Best wishes, Pammie

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    1. Thanks Pammie - I loved your photos of your Paris trip! xx

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  2. Looks like a nice place - I must visit!

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  3. Such a beautiful place-inside and out. I can feel that it is dear to your heart. There is something about the slow pace of life in the french countryside- enjoying the basic pleasures of life which are very appealing.
    When I was recently in Bordeaux, we asked a sommelier his opionon on a particular wine. His comment was so interesting and epitomises to me, the french way of life. He said "It will give you value for pleasure", So true, we are always too quick to look for value for money!!!!
    There is something very special about France as I'm sure you know.
    xxMarilyn

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    1. Hi Marilyn - thanks so much and yes - what a lovely comment - I think luxury is having the time to enjoy every day life and treasure simplicity.. and France is a great teacher... xx

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  4. Home away from home. You are a home maker where ever you are Jenny. That asparagus had me salivating.

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    1. Thanks Sue - I wish we could get them here! xx

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  5. Utterly beautiful - the food, the village, the house. I'd have a hard time leaving!

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    1. It is difficult leaving but then wonderful to cherish memories until the next visit! xx

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  6. How utterly charming Jenny. So glad you have decided to keep this beautiful home!

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    1. Thanks Stacey!... It was a very emotional decision and fortunately very kindly accepted by our buyers who are dear friends.. xx

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  7. I love this post - such a charming village, and I really got the sense of the quiet pace of life and the simple pleasures of the garden, food and friends that you have when you stay in Boussac. xx

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    1. Thanks dear Heidi - it is all as you have said xxx

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  8. J you really should do a book. It's all divine xxx

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  9. Hi Jenny, what a beautiful place. I stumbled across your post as we are wanting to spend a week or two in Boussac and we're finding it difficult to find lovely and charming houses to holiday let there. Any advice or contacts you might be able to provide?
    Thanks!
    Cat

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