Alma follows the glance - and then turns to pick up the bags she's carried into the living room, extending the handle on her suitcase so she can roll it behind her and shouldering the smaller one. "I don't think people come here for our beaches. They're always more interested in the cities and where they can find the best wine."

That's not being entirely charitable to people who visit France, considering people do come for the gardens and other historic places, but those are the things that get the most advertising.