I don't particular enjoy living in rural France any more. I feel cut off - but that's another matter. HOWEVER, one thing I appreciate hugely is that people just don't give shit how they look or what they wear. Or what they eat. It's a farming community, and people work hard and eat and drink well. I rarely see fat folk. Almost never. When I veer into the big town 30 km away, the waistlines become bigger. Nothing unusual, I've said. But relevant to your piece.

Great stuff! Enjoyed it.