Always company

In the summer of 2024, I undertook a road trip through the western part of France. I traveled alone, but I was by no means alone.... I hopped from guinguette to guinguette to occasionally get something to eat or drink. In the process I got for free and for nothing: hospitable people, interesting conversations, all kinds of local produce, idyllic surroundings and a whole load of creativity in the form of live performances, parties, exhibitions and theater.

To discover for yourself

After the summer, I got to work with text and images, writing short pieces and longer interviews. My favorites were given more pages and more pictures. In November I went back to Paris in search of the roots of the guinguettes, because their long history also deserved a place in this book. As well as a guidebook with which you can set out on your own to discover the primal guinguette.

Strict selection

The guinguette is part of French culture. Therefore, I felt that the guinguettes in the book should all have something special to offer in their own way. I selected them because their location is fantastic, the food there is excellent, they grow their own vegetables and fruit, have a very sustainable policy, because the manager has his heart in the right place, because they try to imitate the Ghent Festivities, ... or a combination of several elements.

For an engaging vacation

Often a travel book describes a place of interest and says where you can eat and drink something. I do it the other way around. Just about every guinguette can be combined with an activity nearby: such as a visit to that one, lesser-known castle, a short or long bike ride, a kayak tour, a tour of a local brewery, a short hike or GR trail, a place to stay that deserves your support... So you can create your own varied itinerary with this book.

  • The book covers Paris and the regions of Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle Aquitaine.

    • 208 pages

    • softcover with double flap

    • language: Dutch

    • size: 17 cm (W) x 22 cm (H)

    • ISBN number: 9789083526300

    • In stock

    • We ship packages 1-2 times a week.

    • Delivery in Belgium and the Netherlands (PostNL) costs 5.00 euros.

    • Free with self pickup in Ghent (check pickup times with your order).

    • A book for yourself and one to give as a gift (instead of those eternal flowers)? Then you'll be rewarded with free shipping.