Vacation report 10 - Walking around in Issouden - France

This is a personal story dedicated my friend since 1967, Claude.
Inspired my Naomi's way of storytelling
- but missing some historical details (have to do lot's more scanning from old slides and photos)
And also a nice walk in a Village most of you never have heard about: Issouden
I must admit this Village was absolutetly unknow for me as well, until...
Read on and you will find out. OK?

When you have known people for 42 years, and do not meet them every day, not to say every year, and still have contact with them across countries and languages borders, and still feels like it was like yesterday - well then it's about true friendship and respect and even still curiousity and "family" .

Only a few decades ago, we kept in touch by handwritten letters.
Long distance phone calls - woow - that was too expensive.

This is what's about Claude and me.

We met first time in Paris 1967.
I was a "stagiere" in the French Bank Societe Generale.
Marie-Paule was my closest collegue, at that time married with Claude.
When we stayed in Paris, my x-wife and mother to all my children, Solvi was of course there as a well. In a small Studio we lived.
5 minutes walk away from the Bank Agency.
Solvi and I had lunch together each working day.
It was in fact nice to come home for a lunch - and a "nooner" - "Giggles".

After two weeks at work, I was asked if we would like to come and visit
Marie-Paule and Claude in their home - in central Paris.
Of course we accepted.
None of us have never regretted.
That was the start of a lifelong friendship.

*biiib - biii' are you still with us?

Ok - you can have some Fresh food.
Have you cleaned your head?
At least papa did. LOL

Since then, Both Claude and I were divorced, but still have great relationships with
our first wifes and loves.

We have met several times since then, both in France and Norway.
Paulette, Claudes new woman, has been to Norway as well.
And we have met in France of course.

I have met all his and Marie Paules children since our first meeting. Marie-Paule as well. And Claudes Mother, brother and his sister and brother in laws and their kids. And we had the pleasure of having Sophie as our Guest in Oslo (Norway) and evening celebrated her 2X Birthday. I was invited to the bapteme of J P. And we did meet again this Summer.

This year as well, in Issouden. So let's walk around in this village in the middle of France.

Typical street in ancient Issouden


Let's start with an important french habit: Buying fresh bread for Breakfast.
Paulette and Anna.

Even Claude was there.
Who else but Claude gave me the opportunity to enjoy live the Toussaint (Todos de Santos - All Saints) concert in Notre Dame de Paris - best place - not a seat - we layed down on our backs - and I felt lifted upon in to the soft Air - and it was for free od charge - thanks to Claude.

I suspect his interest was - LOL.

Here you see the memories of those that lost their life for freedom - from Issouden

After the Bakery, we returned - but what is this? A Bike? Crazy to park a Bike here.

aha - Tour de France and Issouden.
This year at the French National Day, July 14th, the arrival was in Issouden.
More about it here

We had wonderful French brunch and then went to Nohant and the home of George Sand

After returning we had a meal - we are in France, yeah?
No-no-no It's not a Frog you see here - *giggles*

Then went for an evening walk in the Village.

The Alley along the Riverside

The White Tower - Tour Blanche
- Landmark of Issouden, which are visibel from long distances. You can enjoy both History, food and beverages here.

The Town Hall from below

From the Town Hall - Front at Night.
In the Weekends it's a Sound and Light Show during the Summer. What you see is the introduction image. And when you sit there during the evenings you will enjoy the beautiful 17th music from way back. It's easy to be sentimental and dream about love and peace and a lucky life.

Issouden is a place to be with good friends. It's not the place for people searching for disco and Night Life. It's absolutely worth to stay for a day, when you need to have pleasant , local food and to be away from the main tourist streams.


Anna even had time to read.
Not for the lack of Claude's and Paullets attention.
But in respect of book lovers.
The four of us are.
Hence our gift we brougt was of course books, Norwegian Authours, in French versions.

We stayed with Claude and Paulette for 3 Nights.

In only a few minutes away from Issouden you can reach: Click on the links to read my blog posts)
Sancerre - a charming Village merrited for World Class Wine and also locally for Goat Cheeze
Bourges - known for it's World Heritage Cathedral
Home of George Sands - a woman writer - that really inspired woman into the modern world

Next to come - Travel from Issouden to Provence ....
A day at the French highways on Saturday August 1 - 2009.