The French call those golden retirement years le troisieme age. The Third Age, it's a good description. Childhood, adulthood, then with any luck, back to a carefree and playful existence toward the end.
We have been blessed with a long happy, early retirement, unexpectedly in a new country with a whole new life. It’s been 16 years so far; and now, again unexpectedly, we are on to yet another phase. We are moving, only an hour away, but from the deep countryside of Burgundy to its very heart, the bustling little medieval city of Beaune, where we will live right in le centre. It’s a mélange of excitement and sadness for sure. We love our village, la campagne, our friends. But that downsizing moment, and a longing for one more little adventure, is upon us.
Another surprise: we sold our home the week it went on the market, to a lovely French couple from Lyon. Today the movers finished up, leaving us with a sad, empty house. After they left, we took a final stroll around the village, as we nearly always do on a pretty evening, to check out the sunset behind the church, and to say hello to our neighbors. Tonight, though, we said a fond au revoir. Memories wash over us like the cool evening breeze. And we bid adieu to our beloved old stone house and our garden, which we had the good fortune to borrow for 13 years, and add to its long history.
The last thing we did was take care of some unfinished business. It’s been two years since our much-loved cat Domino died, but we hadn’t been able to part with his ashes, sitting in a little box in our bedroom. Tonight we buried him in the garden where he loved to play, in the shade of the laurier by the hydrangeas, and under the watchful eye of our 12th century church.
And now Ron and Vino the Bambino and I are off to a new French life, la vie en ville. Hopefully full of adventures, surprises, new friends to go with the old, and many new things to learn. You’re invited along, dear readers, for the next French phase. We won't call it le quatrieme age–which means the "oldest of the old". Maybe three and a half?
In the COMMENTS: Last week's post on Nôtre Dame drew all sorts of interesting and thoughtful comments. And strong opinions! Those who would rebuild the most recent additions seem to be the majority. The French senate agrees with you, they passed a bill that says it should be reconstructed as it last was. But it's not yet law. Both Macron and his prime minister are in the other camp: let this generation move it forward. It promises to be an interesting debate.
41 thoughts on “A Bittersweet Au Revoir to All That”
Well, if you have to live in a town, Beaune’s a pretty good choice.
Rumour has it that they make some half decent wines around those parts!
Best wishes to you and Ron: I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Wow! How lovely! Beaune is one of my favorite places. The Saturday market…époisses quiche…walking the bike path through the vineyards to Pommard…the wine selection…sigh. I look forward to reading about your new adventures in your new home. SO exciting!
Beautiful place! Look up http://www.thecooksatelier.com when you go for cooking classes and a food/wine shop which is owned by an American lady and her daughter. Best of luck!
A lovely post! Hope you are somewhat settled by now! Thanks for the call – the next best thing to seeing you!
Beaune is one of my favorite places. It is about as French as it comes. Lots of good things to eat and sip. You are going to love it there.
Lynn,
How exciting for you both! From what we have already heard, your place sounds lovely! We were lucky enough to visit the beautiful city of Beaune and will look forward to seeing you there and share a bottle or two. xxoo
How wonderful. We are truly happy for you both and wish you many new and fabulous adventures ahead in beautiful Beaune.
I’m tearing up about sweet Domino. All the best in your new adventure. We retired to downtown Nice, and love it.
Lovely post! I look forward to reading about life in Beaune!
Best of luck to you with your new home. I’ve not been to Beaune so like others I’ll be eagerly awaiting reports. bon chance!
Bon courage! I hope you are able to create many more beautiful memories in your new home.
Warmest wishes for new adventures in your new home.
Wine and mustard.
I hope you enjoy being in the heart of things, totally different from the beautiful Clunisois.
All the best.
Jane
I learned from one of your posts to make note of any restaurant that draws a crowd of small white vans. Using your tip, we found Cafe de France, just outside the walls of the historic center of Beaune. Good thing it was not quite noon because only a table for two was still available. Soon after, the sapeurs-pompiers arrived to fill their reserved seats, and I was certain we had made a good choice. With no menu, the same meal was delivered to each table. Plate after plate and all delicious and filling. The next day when we entered, the patron recognized us and said, “your table is waiting.” Another happy meal. Thank you, Lynn, for helping to create this fine memory.
The Army keeps sending us around the world, but these days too far from Beaune! Steve and I keep thinking about retirement, knowing we want access to good food and wine, cultural events, and the ability to walk for daily errands and entertainment… because, you know, good food and wine. Congratulations on this next stage, and next time we pass through Beaune, I’ll keep an eye out for you. But I promise not to harass you, just like I never harassed Peter Mayle when we’d see him during our stays in Lourmarin 🙂 Don’t think I’ll bump into you at our new duty station of Fort Leavenworth!
Quelle surprise! We all make changes as we age. Bonne chance with your new chapter.
Beaune crops up frequently in Laura Bradbury’s “Grape series”. I enjoyed all 5 books immensely! Hope all goes well for you – awaiting your next installment!!
From Jean-paul: “It’s wonderful that could sell your house so quickly. One week is almost unheard of, well done !! . Beaune is a lovely town and we are sure you’ll love it there.”
Jean Paul is selling his wonderful house, nearby on the other side of CLuny. And oh la la, the views! the link is http://proprietes-privees.com/201770SNV
Change brings adventure, and I’m sure yours will continue. Beaune is a lovely place for it. I imagine you will have yet more of us loyal readers contact you from time to time for a cup or a glass given that you will be even more accessible. I know we will if we happen to return there. I remember when I lived in San Francisco, there was an endless stream of visitors. Enjoy your new digs. I know you will and I very much look forward to hearing about it.
Chris
Enjoy your new circumstances!
Lovely post, Lynn. We all know it was the right decision for you both. We will just all have to share your new experiences with you!!
We will be part-time neighbors, as we have had our own “Maison Secondaire” in Pommard since 2005. Beaune is certainly a lovely, bustling place. Best wishes for a smooth transition from your country life, and this wonderful new chapter!
Hope you enjoy a fine new home and good health in Beaune. Bill’s family were residents in Beaune for a few generations before emigrating to New York. His Mom’s name is Eleanor DeBeaune and the family tree is full of her current relatives!. We hope to visit one day and explore Burgandy if our health permits. Perhaps dinner there with the McBrides one day? Meanwhile we hope you’ll continue SFF! Regards, Sue Wallace
This is bittersweet! I look forward to reading about your new adventures in Beaune. I hope you find a new home as lovely as the one you leave behind and that it is brimming with the warmth of new friendships, good food and wine.
Bon voyage!
Mary Anne MacMorran
Texasfoodheritage.com
Dear Lynn,
Your post today brought sighs,tears,and looking onward to happiness and peace.
Sweet Domino is at such perfect rest;you shared a joyful,gifted life together.
Blessings and joy to you,Ron,and sweet Vino.
HI!
I am from Burgundy and I surely do prefer the Beaune region to the Cluny region. A lot more vibrant and better food and wines. You will love this area. So much more to do. Enjoy!
What happened to moving into Cluny? Beaune is a beautiful place and I am sure your next residence will be just as lovely as your old one, though without the spectacular views you had.
Congratulations on your speedy sale and best of luck in your new home.
Melaina
Best Wishes in your new home! You might have a great internet connection there too!
This made me tear up! But now I’m smiling and happy for you both and looking forward to many good times ahead.
I’ve only been to Beaune one time, but I think its a good choice. Its vibrant and beautiful, and will help to soften the loss of your beautiful place in the campagne. Can’t wait to hear what you have to say about your new ville.
bonnie in provence
All the replies that you rec’d from your readers are so positive and encouraging! I don’t think anyone wrote about the shock one gets when your house sells in a minute! Our two homes did, too, and fate directed us,to the opposite of your future home, to the country. I am sure that you will soon be exploring your new area and finding a new set of great places to go back to and enjoy.
Oh rats and I missed visiting! That was one beautiful village and I loved seeing photos of your home. The new owners have found a real treasure and labor of love. Here’s to the next adventures!!
How lovely. It is always an adventure to move locations and homes. We live in Department 41, Loir-et-Cher, (Yes, that’s “Loir” with no e). We just sold our home as well, and the first week it was on the market. So exciting. We are moving into a longère, as with our advancing age, we’d like a home where we can easily live on the RDC. Beaune is a wonderful city. Enjoy!
We do this as well. If there are lots of working men in a restaurant, we know we’ve made the right choice. Love it that the recognized you and “saved” your table. We have similar experiences living here in France.
Sounds like a great plan! We love life in Aix and can’t wait til we move here full time!
Bon courage et bonne chance en Beaune. Le dimanche dernier nous sommes restés à Levernois près de Beaune un petit jolie village. Je crois que Beaune soit très agréable. Meilleure vœux.!
Oh, what a charming and warm and inviting house you are leaving…but…so many new adventures await you!!! AND…I thought at first you were leaving Europe!!! For Trumpland!!!
THANK HEAVEN you are all staying here in a great city with much to see and know and many new friends. And only an hour away to visit your little village de temps en temp.
Happy move and love from us all.
That must have been a difficult decision to sell your beautiful home Lynn. As others have said here, bittersweet. I’m anxious to see & hear about your next adventure.
When my brother flies to CDG he always spends the first couple of nights in Beaune. The few times I’ve been along, I loved the town! Enjoy the next phase!!
Lynn, you certainly chose a beautiful town for your new home. I wish every happiness for you and Ron. Congratulations on selling your home so quickly. I was worried since properties do seem to linger on the market many times. I hope the move is easy for you and look forward to hearing about your new adventures. I’m envious. All the best, Debbie Ambrous
I’m just now reading this; had missed it. I love “le troisieme age” – leave it to les francais to come up with a much better name than “the golden years,” of which my mother always said, “there’s nothing golden about it.” LOL. But with good health, and a gorgeous place to live, you two are proving that it can be. I spotted Domino right away. You made the right choice to bury him in a place he loved. I was able to bury my Hannah, but not where I live, as I do not own this property.
Bonne chance toujours!
Suzanne