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| Guinguettes were popular drinking establishments located in the suburbs of Paris and other cities in France. Guinguettes would also serve as restaurants and, often, as dance or music venues. The term's origin comes from guinguet, indicating a sour white light local wine. |
I've learned over the last few years, even before I left to travel, that walking is an activity that reveals a lot about someone's character. When I walk next to someone, it is easy to decipher the signals that their situation, personality, and body are sending out. All I have to do is let people reveal themselves. Frequently, this subtle exchange happens even in the absence of words. For example, simple subtleties like when to yield or not at pinch points can shed light on someone's character. There have been times when the awkwardness of these moments foreshadowed difficulties I experienced with that person in other situations or conversations. Conversely, walking with some people feels natural and comfortable. It's one of the reasons why I enjoy walking with others so much. It is such a simple activity and so rewarding.
Today, the sky is overcast, and Céline and I need to get outside. So, when she suggested going for a walk in the countryside of Bazas, I jumped at the opportunity. Even though we aren't on a designated trail like Camino or one of the popular GR trails in France, there are still plenty of places to explore.
I need to stop when we cross this beautiful bridge that spans the Le Beuve (Beuve River). I'm suddenly feeling a bit nauseous, so I tell Céline. This is not normal for me, so I stop and sit on the side of the bridge, admiring the beautiful view. From here, I can see all the way to the Cathedral in Bazas to the east. After several minutes, Céline asks, "How are you feeling?" I am much better. That was very strange. "Are you feeling good enough to walk down the hill and see the bridge from below?"
Passing under the bridge, I find myself along the River Beuve. The river is calm, and the surface is like a mirror. In fact, the reflection is even more stunning than the surrounding landscape.
I'm not sure what caused me to become nauseous, but I am feeling well when I return to Céline's place. Even though I had a strange moment, I really enjoyed the walk, I tell her. Maybe I was nauseous because I subconsciously realized I was heading back to the United States tomorrow, I say laughing.
This evening there's music at the Guinguette in Sauternes. Are you feeling good enough to go? asks Céline. That would be a lovely way to spend my last evening here. Plus, I've never been to a Guinguette and remember you mentioning them when we walked the GR-651. Let's do it. I probably won't need to eat much, and I'd love to listen to some music tonight, I tell her.
Sauternes is a tiny town about 30 minutes northwest of Bazas, France. The city is known for a particular sweet white wine that bears the same name, Sauternes. The wine is made from grapes that are harvested late in the year and only after the grapes have begun to shrivel up from the botrytis fungus. This gives the wine a distinct golden color and a complex and very sweet taste.
Chateau de Villandraut (
Vilandraut Castle), located in the French town of the same name, is an impressive structure built in 1312 A.D by Bertrand de Goth, who became Pope Clement V. Although we didn't stop, the castle still has a beautiful presence. Nowadays, it is the location of the Feast of Fools in July. The Feast of Fools resembles a one-day Renaissance Festival that celebrates activities (e.g., jousting, juggling, markets, etc.) from the Middle Ages.
Once inside the La Petite Guinguette (The Little Guinguette), Céline and I are lucky to find an unoccupied table with a great view of the stage. The place is busy but not overly crowded. I wasn't sure what to expect as sometimes these little venues can be standing-room only. I feel fortunate that we have a place to sit.
As the sun sets, the artist takes the stage. Céline and I order a charcuterie board. I ask her if she wants to try the Sauternes to go with the charcuterie board. She shakes her head no. "Not for me. Maybe we can try a glass later. I think it's too sweet to drink much of it," she says. I laugh. That's the first time I've heard you say no to wine.😂
The man on the stage is great to listen to. He sings various American tunes, ranging from the Beatles The Cure, to the Rolling Stones. I know most of them and sing along. I love listening to his strong French-English accent. There's something I really love about hearing French people sing in English. But when he plays Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones, I turn to Céline and say, that isn't how the song goes. "What do you mean?" she asks. Those aren't the right words. But I like his cover, and no one here knows any different. As I listened to him sing, it appeared that he modified the lyrics to make it easier for him to sing it in English. Some words or phrases are difficult to pronounce in English for French people, but he's found a clever way to play the songs he likes.
"I'm glad you felt good enough to come here and are enjoying yourself," Céline says. Me too. Thank you for suggesting it. This is my ideal kind of venue. I love these small music shows. They provide a more intimate experience and allows the artist to connect with the crowd. 😊 "Do you want to try a glass of Sauternes?" she asks. Yes, that would be an excellent way to close out the show.
The waitress returns a few minutes later with two glasses of
golden wine. The color is incredible. It looks like apple juice. The aroma is fantastic. I take my first sip. My reaction was not what I was anticipating. WOW! This is so incredibly sweet. I am not only surprised by the sweetness, but it has a thicker mouthfeel that coats my part, unlike most white wines I know. I look at Céline and say, I understand your hesitation earlier. This is good, but not something I could drink much of. "Yeah. It's not my favorite, but I am glad you got to experience it while we were here," she says.
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