Spring Has Arrived Early In France
The recent warm weather has seen a surge in sun bathing and holidaying, not only in Britain, but across Europe. Record temperatures allowed many of us to enjoy what would usually be summer weather. Whether this is all down to climate change, or just a freak incident is all down to speculation, but after such a severe winter that has killed all but the hardiest of plants, we now see unprecedented warm temperatures.
We spent a week in France this Easter, in the South West, near Perigueux, the department is called Dordogne. It was so warm we could go swimming and sit outside until late enjoying the evening air and of course, the barbeques.
All the plants seemed to be in full bloom; the Camellia has already flowered and gone. It will be delightful if the weather continues and we have a great summer. Also a benefit of having such a cold winter is that the low temperatures have killed off many of the insects, mosquitoes, spiders, wasps etc. that can be so irritating, and plant diseases such as mildew and all that usually survive throughout a mild winter.
The southwest of France has a large English population, an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your point of view. Most have come to France to enjoy the warm climate, the culture and the relaxed way of life that seems to be so often forgotten in the over populated money consuming way of life that we have all become accustomed with in England. The time to have a friendly conversation of little financial importance, the time to walk to the village to buy a loaf of bread, these are sadly all part of a disappearing world that has little time for 'the heart' in its ever consuming quest for more wealth and greater efficiency.
It is true that people do seem happier in the sunshine, compared to the recently diagnosed condition we can suffer when starved of sunlight, which makes us miserable and depressed. France is a large country, almost twice the surface area of England. It has many quite different regions, some of which are mountainous, others with a very temperate climate, and some areas along the Mediterranean coast, warm, exotic, with lush subtropical vegetation. It could be said that France is a country that has offers something for everyone, no matter what the weather or the terrain.
About the Author
David Tatham has travelled extensively throughout France and lived in the country for several years. He has a wealth of information and knowledge on the culture, the food and the wine. His website can be viewed at http://www.perigeux.com
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