BOUSSAC – A gentle place, where time stands still

What is it about Boussac? … I have asked myself and others this question so often. Boussac is a small market town in the Creuse – a rural Department slap bang in the middle of France. It is a town that is difficult to get to. There are numerous ways to get here, by train and plane, but there is always a drive involved and it does become tedious! We have been wondering whether the TGV will, in fact, be routed nearby as was once suggested… Of course, this also ensures that Boussac remains in some sort of time warp as tourists seldom choose Boussac as their destination.

We have loved our quiet holidays here and this time was no exception.  I love to cook when I am in France.  There are the markets where locally grown fresh produce is beautifully displayed in colourful wooden crates.  I love Thursdays in Boussac when the markets come to town.  I normally sling the basket over my shoulder and take the short walk up to the square where the hustle and bustle of the stalls going up begins at 6.00 in the morning.

My first stop is usually the  mobile Poulet Roti van where I buy a farm reared, roasted chicken or poulet fermier.  There is usually a queue and it is always good to get there early!   Predictably, Thursday lunch is cold chicken and a salad!

Poulet au Pot, seen below, is one of my favourite things to cook in Boussac as the chickens in France are so delicious, always tasting like ‘old-fashioned’ chickens!  This dish is so easy to prepare, so hearty and comforting on a chilly evening.

This year, we arrived in Boussac just in time to catch the last of the white asparagus season.  I adore the subtle flavour of these ivory spears.  The photo below was taken just before I cooked them.  I usually add the white spears to a salad or alternatively, serve them with lashings of butter and lemon juice!

Although I love cooking in France,  I also like to prepare dishes that are easy and summery.  Loads of roasted capsicum, grilled zucchini, green salads, gently saute’ed fennel and new potatoes, always accompanied by plenty of fresh herbs. Duck breasts, cooked on the BBQ, beef fillets, veal cutlets and fresh fish are our favourites.

---

COMMENTS

0

I love your blog & Instagram! PLEASE write a book! I would definitely sell it in my store!

Thanks so much FF xxx

J you really should do a book. It's all divine xxx

Thanks dear Heidi – it is all as you have said xxx

Thanks Stacey!… It was a very emotional decision and fortunately very kindly accepted by our buyers who are dear friends.. xx

It is difficult leaving but then wonderful to cherish memories until the next visit! xx

Thanks Sue – I wish we could get them here! xx

Hi Marilyn – thanks so much and yes – what a lovely comment – I think luxury is having the time to enjoy every day life and treasure simplicity.. and France is a great teacher… xx

Thanks Pammie – I loved your photos of your Paris trip! xx

I love this post – such a charming village, and I really got the sense of the quiet pace of life and the simple pleasures of the garden, food and friends that you have when you stay in Boussac. xx