We have now been living in the beautiful Gironde region in South West France for almost two years. After a period of settling in, I can happily confirm that this Australian family is feeling very much part of this landscape. It is tempting to compare France with Australia and we can draw many similarities – the love of good food and wine, the passion for sport (especially Rugby in this part of France), the importance of family. Of course, there are differences, and we enjoy discovering and understanding them. France and Australia have long shared a robust friendship and we have been generously welcomed as ‘Aussies’, although some wonder why we have traveled so far!
Having hailed from Queensland we are still coming to terms with the seasons (we haven’t had a winter in years!) but have discovered the joys of a cold Christmas around a wood fire, and the extraordinary colours that both spring and autumn bring. Summer, however, is still our favourite and we adore the long warm days that extend into the evening, where we barbeque outside while sipping on a chilled glass of local rosé.
Our Sunday morning tradition always includes a visit to the colourful and lively Libourne market, ensconced in its ancient town square, where all manner of items can be found, from live chickens to vibrant fresh produce, local oysters, and the freshest baguettes and pastries you can imagine. We also, love to explore the ancient streets of Saint-Émilion, fascinated by its history and swept up in its romance.
When the days are hot, we are never far from water, from the shores of Lac des Dagueys in Libourne where the children play for hours as we enjoy a picnic, to the lazy flow of the Dordogne almost hypnotizing in its serenity. We are also lucky to be an easy drive to the Bassin d’Arcachon where we often enjoy the stunning views from the Dune de Pyla, Europe’s highest sand dune or explore the calm beaches of Arcachon and the tamed wilderness of Cap Ferret. These Aussies are happiest when close to the beach!
Of course, the region we have settled in is world-famous for wine and we are enjoying the experience of ‘tasting our way’ as we explore and discover each region and terroir, the flavours paired with our favourite French dishes. One thing we have embraced here is the sanctity of Sunday lunch, where people stop working to gather with friends and family over homecooked meals and a glass of wine, and then walk off the meal with a pleasant meander in the late afternoon. It’s a time to share stories and really connect without distraction. Who doesn’t love to finish lunch at 5pm! We have been generously welcomed into this region – often with an invitation for an ‘Apero’ and as we prepare for our third year here we happily reflect on our move and how much we have learned about France, her people, and ourselves.
Morgan Mutch moved to France in 2019, to read his full bio please click here. Morgan manages a portfolio of luxury properties in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, close to Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion in South West France. To view his property portfolio click here.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in the region and would like to work with Morgan, please get in touch: morgan@maxwellbaynes.com
Photo Credit: Dragonfly Media