Real-life rural France
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- January 31, 2021
In the tiny village of Berneuil, the locals know what’s important in life – good food, a stiff Pineau and a DJ and his donkey.
These images are from Berneuil, a sleepy town in a rural region in South West France called Charente.
The Charente department doesn’t attract as many tourists as its Dordogne neighbour, or have the glamour of Bordeaux to the south.
It’s not even a wine-making region.
Charente is all about Pineau, a delicious aperitif blended from grape juice and brandy (the town of Cognac isn’t far away).
These shots were taken in Berneuil as it celebrated its local produce and the traditional methods used to make them. For some this extended to traditional dress.
It wasn’t a tourist event though. It was just the locals celebrating what they do best. Despite the 40c heat.
- Richard is the resident photographer at One Hand Clapping. You can see more of his work at richardhelyar//photography.
Main image: A young girl running out of a bar in Berneuil (© Richard Helyar)
Sonia
4 years agoBeautiful vibe in these photos. I guess French countryside is many people’s dream. Great post!
The Editor
4 years agoYes, Richard certainly captured the vibe of this part of France. Goes to show what awaits if you step off the beaten path, even in a popular destination like France.