Morning. 7 o’clock. The bell atop the village church tolls 7 times. The French are considerate enough to make it the first bells of the day. Hourly thereafter, with a single toll half-hourly, till 10. Except for Vespers: evening prayer alert. Catholic thing.
The cacophony of village cockerels are less considerate - no automatic timers for them. They’ll puncture the peace all day, anytime they feel like it. But you know, that’s ok too.
Along with the sheep, cows, swifts, woodpeckers, chaffinches, next door’s peacock and a turtle dove…the choristers of Payrignac, all contribute to the daily concerto, joined for a few brief hours - either side of lunch - by the thrumming accompaniment of a tractor or two.
And that’s it. Apart from the cymbals: the sudden splash of a body, entering the pool.
All the sounds of bucolic, idyllic, Gallic bliss!
But hark! …there’s the six o’clock bell, accompanied by the pop of a wine cork somewhere in the house. Must rush!…
This, alongside the photos, really made me smile.
Fond memories of France, it can really be so peaceful. Plus the wine and incredible food being second to none
Enjoy la belle France monsieur et madam🥂