Emily in France 🇫🇷 Is In Auvergne!
I'm driving. A lot.
I used to have a terrible reputation as a driver – a reputation I admittedly deserved. But that's all changed: I've been driving non-stop for a week now (I've still got almost a week to go), and in that time, I've driven up and down steep cliffs, down the narrowest of roads, and once through a herd of cows.
I'm in Auvergne. It's amazing. And it's why you didn't get a newsletter last week.
To be totally fair, I have been keeping up appearances on Instagram, so if you follow me there, you've already gotten a taste of some of the cheeses and charcuteries I've been tasting – and the breathtaking landscapes I've been driving past. Back to our regularly scheduled program next week – I promise – but for now, here's a taste of my road trip in five thoughts:
1. I spend most mornings barreling down cobbled village streets running about five minutes late to meet someone who makes something delicious. I am totally OK with this.
2. Spotify is my new best friend, and the 70s Road Trip playlist is a Godsend.
3. If I didn't know the lyrics to American Pie before, I sure as Hell do now.
4. People keep giving me cheese and charcuterie, which is lovely. I supplement this (totally balanced) diet with grapes to keep from getting scurvy. My car smells a little funky.
5. Every time I think I couldn't see anything more beautiful... I turn a bend...
What I'm Writing
1. I highlighted some of my favorite spots to go and things to do around République for The Culture Trip.
2. Pâté-croûte is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a contest trying to suss out the very best one. I found out all about it for Atlas Obscura.
3. I'm a big fan of natural wine. If you are too, here are five places you can't miss in Paris for Devour Tours.
What I'm Reading
1. This article reinforcing the importance of my habit of reading before bed in Real Simple.
2. This exploration of the future of J.D. Salinger's works for a new generation of readers in the New York Times.
3. This glimpse at why Halloween seems to be creeping up on us earlier every year (written, full disclosure, by a friend) in Manrepeller.
A bientôt !
Emily in France