The first time I set foot in France was during the opening scene of a spectacular thunderstorm show, May of 2023. The streets of Pamiers, a 5th century town in southwest France, had rivers of water dancing through the town’s gargoyle spouts and gutters and ancient trees hung against a densely clouded sky which flashed alive with every strike of lightening. Illuminated throughout the town was it’s medieval stone work, le style Art Nouveau signage, rich garden flowers and an …