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A Village Life in France
France
Приєднався 8 лип 2024
Welcome to A Village Life in France. We're American-born and British-born Australian artists and creators living in Brittany. Are you like us -- young at heart no matter your age? Do you dream of decompressing and simplifying? We'll share the country that gives us a low-stress path to longevity.
If unhurried daily pursuits in France and occasional bursts of lovely scenery appeal to you, why not join us as we continue to explore Brittany (and more!) while learning the art of video-making. Expect some bumbles along the way!
If unhurried daily pursuits in France and occasional bursts of lovely scenery appeal to you, why not join us as we continue to explore Brittany (and more!) while learning the art of video-making. Expect some bumbles along the way!
Cycling | Neolithic 3 Menhir Tour in Brittany | Ep-37
Just cycling, not campling this time, Mark shares a weekend trip with his friend Trys into some woods at the edge of an agricultural field here in Brittany -- woods that hide some marvelous neolithic treasures. The way in was a bit challenging, but Mark can assure you that it was worth it.
"On their weekly Sunday cycling adventure, Mark and his friend Trys went in search of some neolithic standing stones -- menhirs. This wasn't as straightforward as riding on a cycling path or a paved road."
Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our lifestyle channel will include daily events, cycling and bikepacking with Mark, painting and artistic endeavours with both Deborah and Mark, French celebrations, historic villages-towns-landmarks, and the challenges of finding and renovating old houses.
After moving permanently to France from Australia in 2016, American-born Deborah and British-born Mark now enjoy a low-stress and more balanced life in beautiful northern France.
We're young-at-heart artists and artisans, designers, photographers. Deborah has a background in writing, editing, journalism, and psychology. Mark spent decades in the building trades, so we're serial renovators of run-down houses in the USA, Australia, and now France.
We have lots of plans for the upcoming months and years, so why not join us!
OUR CHANNELS
A Village Life in France -- www.youtube.com/@AVillageLifeinFrance
Paranormal Perspectives with Deborah Harmes -- www.youtube.com/@DeborahHarmes
@COPYRIGHT 2024 -- 2034
All words and images, both video and photographic, are strictly copyright protected and are @Deborah Harmes -- @Mark Harmes -- @A Village Life in France
All rights reserved.
MUSIC -- Copies of individual licenses for each song used are on file.
Good Morning Cafe Jazz @sleepvolume
Gypsy Jazz Guitar @William King -- williamkingproduction@gmail.com
Losing Your Marbles @thesoundlings
#cycling #neolithic #menhir #archaeology #brittany #france #villagelife
"On their weekly Sunday cycling adventure, Mark and his friend Trys went in search of some neolithic standing stones -- menhirs. This wasn't as straightforward as riding on a cycling path or a paved road."
Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our lifestyle channel will include daily events, cycling and bikepacking with Mark, painting and artistic endeavours with both Deborah and Mark, French celebrations, historic villages-towns-landmarks, and the challenges of finding and renovating old houses.
After moving permanently to France from Australia in 2016, American-born Deborah and British-born Mark now enjoy a low-stress and more balanced life in beautiful northern France.
We're young-at-heart artists and artisans, designers, photographers. Deborah has a background in writing, editing, journalism, and psychology. Mark spent decades in the building trades, so we're serial renovators of run-down houses in the USA, Australia, and now France.
We have lots of plans for the upcoming months and years, so why not join us!
OUR CHANNELS
A Village Life in France -- www.youtube.com/@AVillageLifeinFrance
Paranormal Perspectives with Deborah Harmes -- www.youtube.com/@DeborahHarmes
@COPYRIGHT 2024 -- 2034
All words and images, both video and photographic, are strictly copyright protected and are @Deborah Harmes -- @Mark Harmes -- @A Village Life in France
All rights reserved.
MUSIC -- Copies of individual licenses for each song used are on file.
Good Morning Cafe Jazz @sleepvolume
Gypsy Jazz Guitar @William King -- williamkingproduction@gmail.com
Losing Your Marbles @thesoundlings
#cycling #neolithic #menhir #archaeology #brittany #france #villagelife
Переглядів: 14
Відео
Daily Life | Saturday Morning Errands | Tiny Floodwater Update | Ep36
Переглядів 657 годин тому
Driving across the countryside is an integral part of life in rural France. Just picking up a colis (a parcel) or doing the weekly grocery pick-up requires a round trip jaunt of close to an hour of driving, not counting any time inside the shop. Mark takes you on one of those 'mixed bag' days today! Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our lifestyle channe...
Daily Life | Flooding in Brittany | More Decluttering | Ep35
Переглядів 10119 годин тому
We've had wild weather and several parts of Brittany are severely impacted. We've been quite fortunate, but the rain keeps coming and the flooding is quite extensive. Since we couldn't leave the house, we've made the best of it by continuing with he decluttering saga, and gads, I found MORE clothing to sort through! Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our...
Daily Life | Decluttering --Part 2 | Ep34
Переглядів 8721 годину тому
We were overly optimistic about how long things would take, so we're STILL thinning out the closets/wardrobes and ready to do our annual donation to charity of good quality items. Some things will be listed online, but what should we do with the rest of it? Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our lifestyle channel will include daily events, cycling and bi...
Daily Life | Declutter & Donate Difficulties | Ep33
Переглядів 9814 днів тому
We're thinning out the closets/wardrobes and ready to do our annual donation to charity of good quality items. Some things will be listed online, but what should we do with the rest of it? Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our lifestyle channel will include daily events, cycling and bikepacking with Mark, painting and artistic endeavours with both Debor...
Cycling | Neolithic Passage Grave--Allee Couverte Visit | Ep-32
Переглядів 10114 днів тому
On a 6 degree day in January, Mark cycled north to visit a neolithic allee couverte a passage grave that was surrounded by agricultural fields. These are the sort of happy adventures that are available by living a more sustainable life in France. LINK to SITE DETAILS (in French will require a browser with translation) fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Roche-aux-Fées_(Plénée-Jugon) Would you enjoy a vill...
Daily Life in France | Cooking | Key Lime Pie | Ep 31
Переглядів 7421 день тому
Daily Life in France | Cooking | Key Lime Pie | Ep 31 Cooking and food in general play an important role in our lives. About a decade ago, I (Deborah) turned over the cooking duties to Mark, and he's a much better cook that I ever was! Today's wee little episode is the last stage of cooking and the end result of Mark making a Key Lime Pie instead of a cake for my birthday earlier this week. And...
YouTube Disclaimer | No Trolls Allowed! | Episode 30
Переглядів 9321 день тому
No TROLLS allowed is a firm policy for this channel, and I offer a few perspectives on recently received 'suggestions' from viewers. Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over-40s, over-50s, over-60s, our lifestyle channel will include daily events, cycling and bikepacking with Mark, painting and artistic endeavours with both Deborah and Mark, French celebrations, historic villages-town...
Renovation & Restoration | Master Bedroom | Episode 29
Переглядів 21321 день тому
Renovating a Master Bedroom is Episode 29. A brief slideshow followed by videos showing the final results after extensive tear-down and rebuilding. The house had historic subsidence (approximately 200 years ago) and solving a huge dip in the floor required removing a false floor, rescuing chestnut floorboards, and reinstalling the entire floor on a level and stable platform. Would you enjoy a v...
Where Are the Missing GHOST Videos???
Переглядів 4828 днів тому
Where are the Missing GHOST VIDEOS? We've confused the AI running the UA-cam algorithm by loading such drastically different content onto this 7-weeks-old channel. Now we are FIXING that! The 2nd channel devoted to ONLY the discussions of ghosts, spiritual, visions, voices, and all things paranormal can be found at www.youtube.com/@DeborahHarmes Please continue to follow and support THIS channe...
Cycling | Winter Bikepacking | Is It Worth Trying? | Ep 27
Переглядів 15728 днів тому
Cycling | Winter Bikepacking | Is It Worth Trying? | Ep 27 A longer tutorial on the essentials for successful bikepacking in the colder winter months is contained in Episode 27. Mark offers advice for budget ways to bikepack and shares the must-have equipment for safety and comfort. LINK: Mark recommended a site he watches Path Less Pedaled. The link is below. www.youtube.com/@UCaThRBMEp21yRK4s...
CYCLING | 2024 Bikepacking Finale | Ep 25
Переглядів 167Місяць тому
Cycling and sleeping outdoors is the theme for Episode 25. One last bikepacking adventure for 2024 with Mark and a friend camping out overnight in a lakeside bird hide for a peaceful end to the year. Would you enjoy a village life in France? For over 40s, 50s, 60s, living in France includes daily events, finding and renovating old houses, cycling, French celebrations, historic villages, towns, ...
CYCLING a LONG hard 100mi/160km Challenge | Part 2 | Ep 23
Переглядів 126Місяць тому
Part 2 of Cycling the Restrap Solstice 100mi/160km Challenge. Includes short stops alongside two medieval chateaus, defunct train stations, canalside lock-keeper cottages, canals, and one more large lake Mark spent a full day (and 5500 calories!) riding through a portion of Brittany and he needed a pastry stop in Josselin. He arrived home in the dark. Would you enjoy a village life in France? F...
CYCLING a LONG hard 100mi/160km Challenge | Part 1 | Ep 22
Переглядів 140Місяць тому
Cycling the Restrap Solstice 100mi/160km Challenge. Including short stops alongside chateaus, abandoned watermills, defunct train stations, canalside lock-keeper cottages, canals, and 2 large lakes Mark spent a full day (and 5500 calories!) riding through a portion of Brittany. This is Part One of this series since Mark took hours of video and I am distilling it down into a more manageable size...
Baking Mince Pies??? They aren't ONLY for Christmas Day! - Ep 20
Переглядів 113Місяць тому
Today Mark is baking mince pies a sweet treat that is not for Christmas only. Be bold and eat them all through the holiday season and into the New Year, too! This is one of our Daily Life in France episodes. RECIPE LINKS (1) Delia Smith Mince Filling www.deliaonline.com/recipes/books/delias-happy-christmas/home-made-christmas-mincemeat (2) Paul Hollywood Short Crust Pastry www.bbc.co.uk/food/re...
Happy Holidays from Brittany France | Treasured Ornaments & Memories - Ep 18
Переглядів 124Місяць тому
Happy Holidays from Brittany France | Treasured Ornaments & Memories - Ep 18
Hidden Issues? Always get a Home INSPECTION in FRANCE! - Ep 17
Переглядів 177Місяць тому
Hidden Issues? Always get a Home INSPECTION in FRANCE! - Ep 17
Co-existing with GUNS in FRANCE | CYCLING Sundays & Errands Mondays - Ep 15
Переглядів 87Місяць тому
Co-existing with GUNS in FRANCE | CYCLING Sundays & Errands Mondays - Ep 15
Twinkling Lights in France & A Surprise Encounter - Ep 14
Переглядів 111Місяць тому
Twinkling Lights in France & A Surprise Encounter - Ep 14
A City of Resonant Bells in France (Voice-Free) - Ep13
Переглядів 230Місяць тому
A City of Resonant Bells in France (Voice-Free) - Ep13
Rescuing A Stone Retaining Wall in France - Ep 12
Переглядів 1,9 тис.Місяць тому
Rescuing A Stone Retaining Wall in France - Ep 12
Daily Life in France | Aging & Baking & Bulbs - Ep 11
Переглядів 246Місяць тому
Daily Life in France | Aging & Baking & Bulbs - Ep 11
Cycling In France??? Bikepacking Overnight in Brittany - Ep 10
Переглядів 159Місяць тому
Cycling In France??? Bikepacking Overnight in Brittany - Ep 10
Medieval France | Josselin in Brittany | Part 2 - Ep 9
Переглядів 1252 місяці тому
Medieval France | Josselin in Brittany | Part 2 - Ep 9
Medieval France | Josselin in Brittany | Part 1 - Ep 8
Переглядів 1452 місяці тому
Medieval France | Josselin in Brittany | Part 1 - Ep 8
Renovation & Restoration | Roof Terrace Transformation! - Ep 7
Переглядів 1902 місяці тому
Renovation & Restoration | Roof Terrace Transformation! - Ep 7
Could France Be Right For You? - Part 2 -- HOUSE HUNTING! - Ep 6
Переглядів 1832 місяці тому
Could France Be Right For You? - Part 2 HOUSE HUNTING! - Ep 6
Sunday Cycling in Brittany France - Ep 5
Переглядів 2432 місяці тому
Sunday Cycling in Brittany France - Ep 5
Could France Be Right For You? - Part 1 - Ep 4
Переглядів 2912 місяці тому
Could France Be Right For You? - Part 1 - Ep 4
5 Minutes of Beautiful Brittany France - Ep 3
Переглядів 872 місяці тому
5 Minutes of Beautiful Brittany France - Ep 3
Magnifique!
Welcome to an afternoon of struggling to get INTO the woods, through the branches and brambles, and finally visiting 3 menhir sites in Brittany. Questions and comments are welcome. Bye for now!
It’s people like you speeding that make these roads so dangerous. Slow down!
You funny man! When I edited the video, I quite intentionally sped it up in various sections to between 1.8x to almost 3x. Mark doesn't speed. But I did make the video easier to watch when you weren't watching OVER an hour of original footage at the original speed. (grin!)
@ Lol! I realised that. I hardly recognised the route. The new bridge makes a big difference to my journey.
@@matthewbeaghen2148 Hang on -- Mark said you might be making a funny comment, not a serious comment. Ah well, count on me to interpret things too literally on occasion.
Welcome to some insight into the absolute necessity for a car if you live in a small village, not a larger town with at least some public transportation. Please do like, subscribe, comment, and click the notification symbol if you'd like to know when we upload NEW content for you. Bye for now!
Welcome to our way of coping with WILD wind, rain, a couple of earthquakes, and a huge amount of things to still sort through. Rainy day chores and day to day life. Thanks for being here. Please DO consider giving us a SUBSCRIBE, like, activate the notification bell, and we're happy to answer comments and questions. Bye for now!
Thanks for coming back for another segment about decluttering and how LONG everything takes! Please feel free to join us each week by clicking on SUBSCRIBE, click the little bell for notifications, and we love reading your comments. Bye for now!
here in the States, Goodwill is our go to. Curious about why you don't wear leather shoes anymore? What kind of shoes do you wear?
Yes, I remember Goodwill. It was a fab place to drop off clothing and housewares before we moved! The shoes issue is that I've lost a lot of mobility in the last few years and I do better in softer shoes where I can assess the surface I'm walking on. Also, I'm not keen to slip on damp pavement now that I'm getting older by the day! My go-to shoes are a variety of slip-on or lace-ups and they all have patterned rubber soles for grip. We all get there eventually. Ah well...
@@AVillageLifeinFrance Thank you for responding to my question, I totally get it as I too have become an old lady and footwear is also a concern.
@@lisab1543 Not a problem at all. It happens, just when we're least expecting it -- the getting older thing!
Welcome to a decluttering and 'how to save your clothing long-term' episode. We hope you enjoy it, and DO CHIME IN if you have suggestions about how to recycle unwanted clothing items or fabrics. Please feel free to comment and ask questions, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!
Beautiful little chapel and I love Mark’s setup of the shot from the lip of the spring, looking back at the church.
Yes, there are so many surprise chapels, ruins, and other structures dotted all around Brittany. And I agree, that shot peeking over the water was clever. Thanks for commenting, and do come back soon!
Enjoyed it, thank you!
Thank you! Glad he's able to enjoy riding when it is FREEZING outside. Come back soon. Bye for now!
Welcome to. winter in Brittany. And a day of sunshine prompted Mark to have a bit of an adventure -- going to visit a neolithic passage grave sitting in a field. No admission fees required! Feel free to comment, ask questions, SUBSCRIBE, and like if this is your vibe. Bye for now!
Happy Birthday Deborah! 🎉
Thanks!
♥ I love this! I've been reading about the healing qualities of these old bells, that were everywhere!
The tonal qualities are not identical in every one of these ancient churches, but so many of them have deeply resonant bong-bong-bong sounds that truly vibrate you through and through. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
A very Happy Birthday to you! How wonderful, a hubby that can cook! ❤❤🎉
Thanks! He didn't cook when we first met all those years ago. But as he says with a smile, "I do like to eat." And as he became more confident, he continued to get better and better each year! I am a very lucky woman.
Happy Birthday Deborah!
Thanks! It was a lovely, cozy day.
Welcome to the tail end of Mark finishing up my Key Lime Pie recipe and presenting me with a piece on my birthday. I've added the link to the recipe in the transcript. Do feel free to make comments and ask questions and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Bye for now!
Trolls? Would be funny if it wasn't true. And Mark doesn't need those ice cubes!
I know -- it's hard to understand that anyone feels that sort of action is acceptable. Also, Mark and I are not perky little 30-somethings any longer. We're presenting information, not a fashion show. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Much appreciated.
Wow! What a transformation! It's beautiful!
Yes, it's a wonderful space to have that's also quite private -- something that is often unique when you live in a village. Mark does miracle transformations. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
beautifully done! Mark is very talented. I love the wall color and Mothers Angel. ♥
Thank you. Mark is a wonder. I think things up and bless his heart, he finds ways to create them beautifully. As to the walls, I've loved that colour so much that it has been used in 2 houses in Australia and this one here in France. It's wonderfully soothing! Mother's Angel is also special to have in that room. Glad to see you here again!
♥
this was lovely, thank you for sharing ♥
So glad you discovered it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. We do appreciate it.
Bless your heart, you are genuine and lovely. If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all, really wish this was taught now. Just know you are wonderful and I enjoy every moment watching.
How very sweet of you to say that. We plan to stay the same and not change our approach at all. It's good to know that our gentle wee channel is appreciated. Bye for now!
Really happy you’ve created this channel, covers all the important and interesting subjects (love the ghost stories as well, those are a delight) . Pay no mind to the unkind and keep being excellent & very very interesting! Thanks again for creating this channel.
Thank you for your delightful comment. And thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a good week ahead!
One of my favourite sayings is "Opinions are like arses. Everyone has one and, like arses, most should be kept under wraps". Ignore them.
Where's the laughing emoji when I need it! Mark uses a version of that phrase, too. I thought it would be funny to share the oddball things that people comment on -- and no, I have no intention of engaging with them! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Welcome to the channel, please DO remember to be kind and pleasant, and your good-natured comments and questions are always welcome. Have a good week!
Amazing transformation. Love the angel picture
Thank you! You're the first person to comment. Thanks for stopping by.
Welcome to Episode 29, the demolition and rebuild of our Master Bedroom. Please feel free to comment or ask questions and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible. Thanks for being here!
Thanks for taking the time to watch this short video about splitting the site so we're better able to provide the information that you're looking for in an easier way. Feel free to comment or ask questions about this or any other topic. Bye for now!
Welcome to a longer presentation about how to successfully bikepack during the WINTER months. Brrr!!! Thanks for stopping by, and do leave comments or ask questions as you think them up. Bye for now!
Great advice, can relate to so many things!
Thank you. We prefer to know the issues with any potential purchase AHEAD of time -- and I knew there must be others who would resonate with this video if they have considered moving to France and buying a home that required renovation. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
One last overnight bikepacking trip for Mark in this episode. Thanks for the Likes, SUBSCRIBES, and Comments. We appreciate every one of them.
Brings back memories of my long distance touring by bike, where I'd often go 120 miles or more in a day. Of course, that was over 40 years ago. No way I could go that far today, not even sure I could bike to the end of my driveway! Hats off to you Mark for ability to bike that far and make it look so enjoyable.
I certainly couldn't keep up with him even 30 years ago! Thanks for your return visit and your comment. Much appreciated.
Wow he did it in one day! Well done Mark! Looks a great route to ride.
I know! I was so pleased that he had a NON-rainy day for this adventure. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Old men and their old dogs - that's my tribe!
😃 I'll pass that on to Mark. He'll get a chuckle out of that. And thanks for stopping by and commenting!
How Mark managed to be so lighthearted when he was so tired I'll never know! He rode 160+kms in one day. Thanks for the positive feedback, comments, likes, and follows for all our subjects. It DOES matter and we appreciate every one of you who take the time to do that. Bye for now!
Well that was a great cycle through rural France without any effort on my part 😂
😄 What? You didn't feel the burn from all those miles/kms being clocked up? Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Nice video, riding through La Cheze. La Cheze has a beautiful lake running through it and is a very pretty town. It had a main Street of houses that used to be shops that have been for sale for ages, I have noticed that quite a few have been brough up and are now been renovated. It was the only place any where in France that I have every seen a condom vending machine situated on the Main Street. It has been removed a couple of years ago problably for no custom as I rarely see any one walking about. I always had a laugh when I drove through the village, it was situated next to the Credit Mutuel de Bretagne bank branch which has closed as well!
Yes, La Cheze does have some interesting old buildings. But just like many other once-prosperous towns or villages, the shops have, for the most part, disappeared. Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Welcome to A Village Life in France. Thanks for the likes, comments, and follows after you've watched the variety of topics we post about. We appreciate your time and hope you'll continue to enjoy the channel. Bye for now!
RECIPE LINKS (1) Delia Smith Mince Filling www.deliaonline.com/recipes/books/delias-happy-christmas/home-made-christmas-mincemeat (2) Paul Hollywood Short Crust Pastry www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_mince_04604
Welcome back! We're so pleased to see you here, so do feel free to leave comments and ask questions. I'll get back to you as quickly as possible. Thanks!
Doesn't cobb have insulation properties?
Good question! Yes, if the building had been intact since the 18th Century, but it was impacted by quite a few factors over the centuries including repairs with concrete that were falling off the wall. There had been several roof leaks and at one point, the 'concrete bunker' was created as a replacement from another wing that burned down. There was scorching and water damage down there, too. The central wall between the 1700s part of the house and the 1800s addition is a big THICK wall running through all three levels, and yes, it is still there. It's a groovy old house and we DO love it! Come back soon, and thanks for your question.
Happy Holidays from our home in France to yours, wherever you may be. Blessings to all of our watchers and followers. Thanks for the comments, likes, and follows -- and do keep them coming!
Seasons Greetings and a hearty welcome to A Village Life in France. We love the uptick in comments over the last few videos, so continue to chat with us and do consider ticking the box for FOLLOW so we can keep this new channel going. We'll get back to you as soon as possible after you comment. Have a lovely week, everyone! ~Deborah and Mark
So beautiful. Feeling Christmassy now🎅
It's definitely a Christmas-like atmosphere in northern France!
Nice seeing you out and about with your new wheels, Deborah. Pretty unsporting shooting boars on the road.
Until I saw Mark's videos, I didn't know that they were allowed to stand right alongside a public road with their guns out like that. I thought they would be traipsing through the forests and fields, not somewhere so close to the general public.
This looks so like where we live in Plussulien, Brittany and yes, we’d see the chasse weekly in the winter. ur wonderful rescue dog was ex chasse and terrified of them. He’d drag me all the way home if he heard gunshots and would refuse to leave the house if he could hear them from inside!
Glad it reminds you of your time over here. Have a lovely weekend, and thanks for commenting.
Safer before lunch.
Mark WAS out both before and after lunch. He burns off so many calories when he rides that he always carries 'ride snacks' to keep him going. Thanks for your visit, your comment, and do come back soon!
So you’re turning 50?
We're having a hearty laugh about that! No, Mark has been officially welcomed into the 'Wisdom Years' now that he's 60. (grin!) Thanks for popping by and commenting. Much appreciated!
I saw you as you were riding towards us past these guys.
That's cool
What fun to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, and come back soon.
The best view of Josselin is from the spire of Notre Dame de Roncier. The main street, Rue Olivier de Clisson is full of wonderful half timbered buildings too.
Oooo! We didn't know that you could climb up in the spire -- so thanks for telling us about that. Rue Olivier de Clisson has featured in several of Mark's walking tours. Bye for now -- and come back soon.