Our final month at the Gite and we are lucky that there
still seems to be a lot going on n the area in the run up to Christmas so we
are filling our diaries. We are not sure
if these events will be on the same scale as at home but we will have to see.
1st December.
Being a Saturday we decided to visit Lauzun, a local town just south of
Eymet as they had a market. All looked a
bit quiet as we approached the town and although we had a lovely walk around
the marked walking route the market only consisted of about six stalls, two of
which were devoted to touristy jams, honey and prunes. I had my egg box all ready this time too but
alas, no eggs to be seen! It was really
cold so seeing that bar/restaurant appeared to open …. in for a coffee we went. A very nice lady owner (who spoke good
English, and as we found out later also German, Italian and a bit of Chinese as
well as French), chatted with us. She is keen on languages so holds a
conversation morning once a week where the locals can improve their language
skills. Just what I would have been interested in. Monthly
live music evenings are also advertised and held here at the "Floc & Thé" so we are sure we will be back.
3rd December. It seems today is wildlife day. Three deer are spotted just outside our
garden……. three pheasant are wandering
inside our garden, and I am sure I saw a partridge in the pear tree …. Oh
no, …. it’s just the woodpecker !! The other ‘day to day’ birds are also busy
devouring the seeds we have put out for them.
Chris Packham would love it.
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| Oh .. and another cheeky squirrel photo |
We have also taken the trouble to try another local restaurant,
firstly to aid the local economy and secondly so we will know where to take our
friends who arrive next week…..very magnanimous don’t you think? and yes, it
was lovely, four courses including wine for
11.50€ ……. Another bargain!
7th to 9th
December. Another flying family visit - from Paul and Dawn this time and luckily after
a rainy first day the rest of their time here was sunny and quite warm so they could
enjoy a brisk walk each day before breakfast.
Not sure who they take after – I like walking but not that early in the winter!
An evening meal at the local restaurant seemed a good idea and, yes, in the end the food was fantastic ..... but it was either 1) the driving in the dark with no street lighting or, 2) the lively chatter in the van that distracted Les, but as we arrived and drew in close to the wall, ...... a "prang on the overhang" of the single story building, it sounded terrible but luckily the van was only scratched slightly at the top and suffered a shattered side light fitting. Sorry, no photo taken .... too dark!
We visited Eymet, Allemans du Dropt and Duras ( including the
Chocolate outlet of course), and even managed a Marche de Noël in a local
village where the French idea of a typical Christmas Fair was a little strange
to us to say the least. More of a
car-boot sale with mulled wine than anything.
The trip finished with a quick visit to lovely medieval Bergerac
and a coffee sitting in the sun.
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| Dordogne at Bergerac |
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| A Square in Duras |
15
th December. Just as we were leaving the house to visit a local market we had a visit from the Pompiers (firemen). No fire here we thought, what can they want? Steve went down to speak to them in his best French and after a few minutes returned - calendar in hand. Yes ..... the “ door to door pompier salesmen” had talked their way into Steve parting with his hard earned Euro’s for the 2013 Official Calendar. He was told that they are all volunteers but need to raise money to pay for their insurance…… we decided to believe them and with a cheerful wave they drove off. Cathy and I scoured it for handsome hunks but were a little disappointed! Pic’s below.
16th December.
Duras Christmas market had it’s own particular French charm – free mulled
wine, hot chestnuts, buggy rides for the kids and various Christmas craft
stalls all set off with piped music played by two young musicians. Very cute and atmospheric . Luckily the
weather was good to admire the lovely views.
19th December.
We decided we must visit the Chateau at Duras before we leave. Just as well it wasn’t raining today as the
views from the various balconies were wonderful. We even climbed the tower up very a uneven
and narrow stone stairway but what a reward – 360° views – couldn’t capture
this on camera unfortunately. As it was
left as a ruin until the town purchased it in the late 1960’s no furniture has
survived, but it was very interesting all the same seeing the kitchens, bakery,
several wells, the room of secrets (
much like the whispering gallery in St Paul’s), ballrooms and the like. Not a
stuffy Chateau at all and well worth the visit.
Sounds like you are both having a great time. You will be speaking french like a native by the time you come home.
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