The Sweet Smell of Home: Wellbeing in Nature

"After eight months in the mountains of Haute-Provence, we’ve returned to the peaceful countryside of Burgundy. Discover how this homecoming inspires Great Nature Guide’s mission to reconnect with nature and wellbeing."

Hooray! We’ve returned home to the beautiful countryside of Burgundy. For the past summer season, we’ve been living near the charming village of Castellane, immersed in the wild beauty of the mountains. Dan returned on Tuesday with Elsadog, while I followed on Wednesday. The nine-hour journey felt like a marathon—especially as the road wound through the gorges and passes that make that part of the world so rugged and spectacular.

But as we left the mountains behind and approached Lyon, the road evened out, and the familiar, gentle slopes led us back to our home in the Nièvre, Burgundy.

It was during that phone call, just after Dan arrived, that he said something that struck me. “It’s the weirdest thing,” he said. “As soon as you hit Burgundy, you can smell it—the sweet air of the countryside, the grass, the fresh air, the cows—it’s wonderful. I’ve never noticed it before.”

It seemed an odd thing to miss, but as I drove closer to home, I understood exactly what he meant. While the mountains of Provence were alive with the scents of lavender, thyme, and olive groves, there was something grounding about the earthy petrichor of Burgundy. It’s the smell of mud, grass, cows, and oak trees, all blending together to create that distinct aroma that makes you feel like you’ve arrived.

The green fields, hedgerows, and trees here are brighter than I remembered, bursting with energy and life. Alongside this vivid landscape, we were greeted warmly by our village neighbours, eager to share the latest updates and gentle gossip. There’s a sense of community here that fills the heart—one that was missed more than we realized.

It’s good to go away sometimes, if only to remind ourselves what we miss. And now, more than ever, I feel how important it is to reconnect with nature and the people around us. Being home has a way of restoring the soul, grounding us, and reminding us that wellbeing comes not only from the breathtaking sights of distant places, but from the familiar sounds, scents, and scenes of the place we call home.

So happy to be back, and so grateful for the sweet smell of home.

Nature in Autumn at home