Espédaillac, Le Lot, France #1 8/13
Looking at the Michelin map, Espédaillac is not even a dust spec. Our Garmin GPS knew where it was but the first road sign we spotted indicated: Espédaillac, 6km.
At one point in history, the village must have been a central stopping place for military and other travelers. One of the main buildings, situated next to the church, is La Commanderie that was a military post with a hospital. The walls are over three feet thick!
A hundred years ago, there were still three schools, two small grocery stores, a butcher, a forge and a shoe maker, two restaurants, a tearoom, an animal market once a month and a communal oven to bake bread. There was no good water source so people collected rainwater in cisterns.
Today it’s a quiet place. There are no school and no stores, no local bus connections. There is an Auberge (inn) where they serve lunch and dinners.
About 250 people live here full time including 20 foreigners from England and Belgium. In the Summer, most houses are lived in by French and a few more foreigners.
Our good friend Vivienne moved here from London and teaches English in the surrounding areas. She has restored her 200-year-old house and turned it into a beautiful home.
Vivienne’s backyard is a casual place where friends like to gather.
Gary is in charge of the BBQ.
The church dominates the village square of Espédaillac.
The Commanderie is one of the oldest buildings in Espédaillac.
Crosses like this one can be found in many villages throughout France.
A quick photo opportunity with our long-time friend Vivienne.
Who could resist this reflection?
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