Travel with Rick Steves · Saturday, August 8, 2026
David McAninch, a food writer who lived in Gascony with his family, observed that the region's eating habits are associated with the longest life expectancy rates in France. He noted that the family learned to slow down and appreciate cooking more during their time there, adopting a lifestyle focused on enjoying food.
“We as a family had to learn quickly how to slow things down, kind of press pause, take more time with everything, but especially cooking.”
“In Gascony, eating what makes you happy produces the longest life expectancy rates in all of France.”
“We'll hear how living in Gascony changed the way they live and eat in just a bit.”