Every village is different. Sure, there will be old houses, a church, an épicerie if you are lucky, and definitely a boulangerie for a baguette or pain au chocolat. BUT there is always something quirky.

In Rieux, it was a couple of things. The church, for one. 

It is a Roman church dating back to the 12th century, beautifully set in the round beneath a grand cupola. The caretaker let us in with a huge, historic key and simply said, 'Switch the light off when you leave!'

I did a quick try out of the acoustics.  They inside were amazing - though not quite as spectacular as when I sang at Notre Dame de Cros! Oh and yes I could have done with a tuning fork! Have a listen below. 

It is ironic that my music arrived today. I really must start learning it. I have never sung Benjamin Britten before!

 

Rieux July by Julie Howard

The second surprising thing we stumbled across was a collection of book art... such fun!