In the Heart of the Vosges and Other Sketches by a "Devious Traveller"

A wandering eye captures the heart of eastern France in a series of keenly observed sketches, ranging from the fortified elegance of Provins to the mist‑cloaked Vosges valleys. The narrator moves at an unhurried pace, allowing the rhythm of rail travel and country lanes to reveal hidden churches, bustling markets, and the subtle charms of provincial life. Each vignette is complemented by period illustrations that give listeners a vivid visual anchor for the journey.

The prose blends gentle humor with scholarly curiosity, noting the intricate stonework of medieval cathedrals, the quirky gargoyles that guard ancient roofs, and the tempting local specialties—champagne sipped beside a railway buffet, raspberry jam jars handed to passengers, and the famous Madeleines of Commercy. Photographs and sketches by notable artists lend the volume an authentic, almost tactile sense of place.

Designed for listeners who love travel, history, and the quiet pleasure of discovery, the collection invites you to stroll through forgotten towns, taste regional fare, and glimpse a France that remains both timeless and delightfully approachable.