Idyllic Issigeac …
Issigeac is an idyllic medieval town, notable for its unusual circular layout. It is brimming with architectural delights mainly dating from between the C13th-C16th, quaint streets, and has the most wonderful Sunday Market. Entering the market in the early morning light It is one of most colourful and vibrant French markets I have seen – similar to the one in Sarlat, but on a smaller … Continue reading Idyllic Issigeac …
Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne – a very long tour …
Friday was the day we planned to go back into Bordeaux but as the weather wasn’t too bright we modified the plan and headed off to Chateau Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, which offers guided tours and tastings. As we drove towards the town, we passed the inevitable fields of dried sunflowers which will provide seeds, oil and even animal feed when harvested. The village of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne is tiny … Continue reading Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne – a very long tour …
Saint-Emilion time…
Yesterday the sun showed itself just in time for our return to Saint-Emilion and made for a perfect few hours in a beautiful town. Saint-Emilion has been a World Heritage site since 1999, by virtue of its cultural landscapes and the link between past and present is obvious. While stuffed full of historic monuments like churches and monasteries, extensive vineyards and their modern day endeavours … Continue reading Saint-Emilion time…
A wild goose chase, Pomerol and Le Comptoire
After having such a great time in Saint Emilion, the following hour was somewhat of a shambles. Whilst in the Italian restaurant where we had lunch, I managed to place a call to one of the Chateau du Jour, namely Chateau Grangey and booked an English-speaking tour for 2pm. Every day, the Saint-Emilion Office de Tourism posts the names of four Chateaux at which you … Continue reading A wild goose chase, Pomerol and Le Comptoire
Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Eymet and beyond …
As we sat waiting for the rain to abate before taking off on today’s little adventure, I realised I have not said much about the local village, Castillon-la-Bataille. The village is named after the battle fought in 1453 between the French and English, in which the English suffered a massive defeat. The defeat marked the end of the Hundred Years’ War and Aquitaine, having become an … Continue reading Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Eymet and beyond …
Out and about in Libourne …. and a little bit of food and wine
The weather is not really playing the game currently, so we had to brave the rain and make our way to the port bastide town of Libourne, located on the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers. Libourne prospered due to its trade in wine, wood and salt. The life of the town revolves around the historic central square, bounded by arched arcades, with wonderful … Continue reading Out and about in Libourne …. and a little bit of food and wine
To market, to market ~ a little bit of local colour …
This morning we decided to spend the day exploring the local area and relaxing. After breakfast, Phil, Kim and I walked along the river bank to check out the local market (to bring home pastries!) It was a really pleasant walk which we accessed courtesy of the villa owner who took us to the gate leading out to pathway heading to the town. We finally … Continue reading To market, to market ~ a little bit of local colour …
An evening in Saint Emilion …
Last evening we decided it was time to visit Saint-Emilion, so I put on my brave voice and booked a table at Amelia Canta, located in the Place du Marche, beside the entrance to the Monolithic Church, which was dug into the rock in the Middle Ages. It has an impressive carved tympanum over the entrance door and the church within is huge, (but we have … Continue reading An evening in Saint Emilion …
A taste of Bergerac …
This morning, we awoke to solid and heavy rain – but not to worry! Dave had already been to the local patisserie and provided us with delicious croissants for breakfast. While we watched the Scotland v Ireland Rugby World Cup game, we could see that the rain had set in, so we decided to drive to Bergerac for lunch, in the hope it would clear … Continue reading A taste of Bergerac …
