I have yet to go, but it might be my next destination in the Lot! A bit at a time, discovering it all. I saw pictures of the market - it looks stunning! Loved to read this little love letter!
So glad you enjoyed it! And of course I would recommend going on Saturday for the market. I didn’t this time, but will try to get back. And you will love the “épicerie fine” that I’ll mention next time. Those are getting hard to find in smaller towns.
Thank you! It was fun and a change from doing a lot of research, which I hadn’t had time for since it truly was an impromptu mini-trip. However, I will be doing a more complete write-up.
It’s a small sous-préfecture, so hardly famous, but in the area it has a well-deserved reputation as a beautiful town. There are surely plenty of tourists in the summer. I’m looking forward to writing more about it. Oh, and thank you for the coffee!
I first encountered Figeac on a holiday many years ago. So I am like you, Betty, wanting to go back. We are spending 6 weeks in a small village in the Lot valley this coming September, October. This is my chance to visit once more. I look forward to your further information. Thank you for sharing these interesting excursions.
Glad to hear from you, Catherine, and know that you are coming back to the Lot valley — weren’t you there last year too? Did you go to Cahors? Figeac is really lovely but it truly was an impromptu jaunt, so I didn’t do much research before leaving. Am looking forward to delving into it more over the next week or two.
Our holiday in the Lot is Fall 2025. This particular holiday was planned long in advance. I will be exploring Cahors, Figeac, and all of the wonderful villages thereabouts.
You're welcome! I'll be doing a fuller write-up next time. It truly was an impromptu mini-trip (planned the day before) and I didn't have much time to do much background research, but am looking forward to that now.
Ohh I loved this article Betty and the way you linked in the tell-tale signs of falling in love. How clever of you. I remeber taking my then 'future brother in law', to Figeac many years ago. I was quite proud as I knew it was steeped in beauty and great interest. He spent the hour walking tour looking at the paving stones, head down, looking so bored with all the old stones and historic buildings. I gently suggested he look up and around to admire the town but no, it wasn't to be. He never became my brother-in-law, but I don't think Figeac has anything to do with it. Personally, I love the place........Keep on writing... See you soon.
Thank you so much Suzanne for your comment, your continued reading, and your hilarious story! I can’t imagine not being charmed by Figeac, of course, but I guess there’s no accounting for taste.
Lovely article, Betty! Jean and I went to visit the Musée Champollion – Les Écritures du Monde in Apr 2024 during our week-long+/- stay in Tulle--where we also had a fantastic time visiting the Musée de l'Accordéon TWICE! I'm so glad that your affair with F. continues unabated!
Hello Pamela, I'm so happy to see you with a Substack account and commenting directly here. As you may have seen, I'm keeping FB at a distance for the moment, although that may change. I just checked in today and saw that most of my friends are posting as much as ever, or nearly.
How interesting that you have been to Figeac, and not that long ago. I'd be interested what you thought of the museum, which was renovated in 2007. I'll be writing about it next time.
And Tulle is definitely on my list! I've actually done a little background research on the town and know about the Musée de l'Accordéon, which I seem to remember is quite new.
Ahh no, Place de l’Estang is the other side of the town I think! I guess all those blue shutter look a little similar!
I will look forward to your next post though, I definitely go to Figeac more often than Rodez, not only is it closer, it feels more friendly, but that could just be a country bumpkin feeling!
Yes, there are a lot of blue shutters and other lovely shutters as well.
I can’t weigh in on a difference in friendliness, having just been in Figeac for 24 hours. People were friendly but I find that in Rodez as well. One can feel it’s a smaller town yet I felt it had a lot to offer as far as different types of shops, and with very few chain stores compared to Rodez. So definitely a nice place. I’d like to get there on a market day but would not do so over the summer!
It was on the side of an enticing, old-style “primeur,” and right next to it was a very well-stocked “épicerie fine” — one of the “finest” I’ve seen anywhere in ages!
It looks gorgeous, Betty! It's an area of France I've never visited. One day. I love Girona, in Spain. Have you ever been? It's not a big town, but it is so charming, with its old town, and gorgeous building, and greenery. And it's only 30 minutes from the sea. We have a place close by to there, which is why we spend our time between Switzerland (near Geneva) and Spain. Yes, the blue skies and the warmer climate really do it for me! Lovely to meet you!! xx Francesca
Thank you for your comment here! It is beautiful and this town is not that far from where I live. I've heard of Girona but never been -- I haven't been to a lot of Spain, to tell you the truth, but have enjoyed where I've been. Nice to meet you too and thank you for connecting.
What a charming declaration of love! F. surely deserves, it's gorgeous.
F. is, and definitely what I needed to cross over into my least favorite month…
Stay strong, Betty, spring is coming back!
Haha same here! February is also my least favorite month. 😁
At least it's short, as I always remind myself.
Yes, thankfully! The one thing I like about it is carnaval and the beignets they make in France for it. Yummy!
I have yet to go, but it might be my next destination in the Lot! A bit at a time, discovering it all. I saw pictures of the market - it looks stunning! Loved to read this little love letter!
So glad you enjoyed it! And of course I would recommend going on Saturday for the market. I didn’t this time, but will try to get back. And you will love the “épicerie fine” that I’ll mention next time. Those are getting hard to find in smaller towns.
I loved this so much, I may try to steal F from you! ❤️
Glad you enjoyed it! I felt like doing something different, but will do a more complete write-up for my next post.
Glad you shared your crush with us.💕
Tee-hee! I’ll be writing it up more fully for my next post, once I come down from my cloud, lol!
Delightful. 😁
Thank you! It was fun and a change from doing a lot of research, which I hadn’t had time for since it truly was an impromptu mini-trip. However, I will be doing a more complete write-up.
Love this about Figeac, a place I’d never heard of. Its looks so beautiful and that sky! I love the sharpness of early spring light
It’s a small sous-préfecture, so hardly famous, but in the area it has a well-deserved reputation as a beautiful town. There are surely plenty of tourists in the summer. I’m looking forward to writing more about it. Oh, and thank you for the coffee!
I first encountered Figeac on a holiday many years ago. So I am like you, Betty, wanting to go back. We are spending 6 weeks in a small village in the Lot valley this coming September, October. This is my chance to visit once more. I look forward to your further information. Thank you for sharing these interesting excursions.
Glad to hear from you, Catherine, and know that you are coming back to the Lot valley — weren’t you there last year too? Did you go to Cahors? Figeac is really lovely but it truly was an impromptu jaunt, so I didn’t do much research before leaving. Am looking forward to delving into it more over the next week or two.
Our holiday in the Lot is Fall 2025. This particular holiday was planned long in advance. I will be exploring Cahors, Figeac, and all of the wonderful villages thereabouts.
OK, wonderful! I for some reason was thinking you went every year. Fall is a great time to go. I’ll enjoy keeping up with you on it!
Figeac! Just an hour away, lucky you! A lovely town from the looks of it. Thank you for re-visiting and bringing it to our attention Betty.
You're welcome! I'll be doing a fuller write-up next time. It truly was an impromptu mini-trip (planned the day before) and I didn't have much time to do much background research, but am looking forward to that now.
Ohh I loved this article Betty and the way you linked in the tell-tale signs of falling in love. How clever of you. I remeber taking my then 'future brother in law', to Figeac many years ago. I was quite proud as I knew it was steeped in beauty and great interest. He spent the hour walking tour looking at the paving stones, head down, looking so bored with all the old stones and historic buildings. I gently suggested he look up and around to admire the town but no, it wasn't to be. He never became my brother-in-law, but I don't think Figeac has anything to do with it. Personally, I love the place........Keep on writing... See you soon.
Thank you so much Suzanne for your comment, your continued reading, and your hilarious story! I can’t imagine not being charmed by Figeac, of course, but I guess there’s no accounting for taste.
Lovely article, Betty! Jean and I went to visit the Musée Champollion – Les Écritures du Monde in Apr 2024 during our week-long+/- stay in Tulle--where we also had a fantastic time visiting the Musée de l'Accordéon TWICE! I'm so glad that your affair with F. continues unabated!
Hello Pamela, I'm so happy to see you with a Substack account and commenting directly here. As you may have seen, I'm keeping FB at a distance for the moment, although that may change. I just checked in today and saw that most of my friends are posting as much as ever, or nearly.
How interesting that you have been to Figeac, and not that long ago. I'd be interested what you thought of the museum, which was renovated in 2007. I'll be writing about it next time.
And Tulle is definitely on my list! I've actually done a little background research on the town and know about the Musée de l'Accordéon, which I seem to remember is quite new.
I love the blue sky and creamy stone combination, Betty!
It was breathtaking, and much needed! I’m not sure how I’ve let F. slip out of my life considering the short distance between us! ;)
Betty, this is just perfect and what better town to fall in love with!
I too love Figeac, it has just the right amount of everything! Except tourists at the market in summer!
I am almost certain too that you have posted a photo from the street my friend lives in! next door to the pale blue shutters. xx
That was near the Place de l’Estang, where my hotel was. Might that be right? There are so many beautiful façades and shutters.
I think from your area, I would probably be more tempted to go to Figeac than Rodez.
I have a lot more to say about “F.” but it will be for my next post! I need to do some more research…
Ahh no, Place de l’Estang is the other side of the town I think! I guess all those blue shutter look a little similar!
I will look forward to your next post though, I definitely go to Figeac more often than Rodez, not only is it closer, it feels more friendly, but that could just be a country bumpkin feeling!
Yes, there are a lot of blue shutters and other lovely shutters as well.
I can’t weigh in on a difference in friendliness, having just been in Figeac for 24 hours. People were friendly but I find that in Rodez as well. One can feel it’s a smaller town yet I felt it had a lot to offer as far as different types of shops, and with very few chain stores compared to Rodez. So definitely a nice place. I’d like to get there on a market day but would not do so over the summer!
Love a sign with ingredients, so simple but so warming - makes you want to buy them all
It was on the side of an enticing, old-style “primeur,” and right next to it was a very well-stocked “épicerie fine” — one of the “finest” I’ve seen anywhere in ages!
These shutters "just the right" blue and market list capture all in my dreams...so satisfying
It looks gorgeous, Betty! It's an area of France I've never visited. One day. I love Girona, in Spain. Have you ever been? It's not a big town, but it is so charming, with its old town, and gorgeous building, and greenery. And it's only 30 minutes from the sea. We have a place close by to there, which is why we spend our time between Switzerland (near Geneva) and Spain. Yes, the blue skies and the warmer climate really do it for me! Lovely to meet you!! xx Francesca
Thank you for your comment here! It is beautiful and this town is not that far from where I live. I've heard of Girona but never been -- I haven't been to a lot of Spain, to tell you the truth, but have enjoyed where I've been. Nice to meet you too and thank you for connecting.