Margaret and I unmade, then made beds and prepared to say farewell to Rose and Vaughan. Pity their car didn’t start so they didn’t get to go!! I wandered the village and send a parcel to Jordan, Rob’ s girlfriend in California. It’s her birthday. The French post office works in a slightly less operatic way than in Italy, but they lack the packaging the Italians have to offer. I wanted a small packet but the ones they had were only for France. The man had to go behind the scenes and come out with a bent piece off cardboard that I had to roughly write the address on and put the wee little present inside.
He then used masking tape to make a kind of envelope. Very strange. I hope it gets there.
We spent the afternoon waiting for one group to depart and then Rachel to arrive, but life is very laid back in Cotignac so it wasn’t a problem. Margaret and I walked up to Notre Dame, the short way – all uphill! But not like the long way of last week (see story “A walk in the woods”)
We finished with a glass of rose in the village and then showered and prepared for my last dinner – at the lovely La table a la Fountaine. We arrived there around 7.30 which is early by French standards and got a table upstairs. We enjoyed a Coup de Champagne and a delicious fish dish.
Lots of laughs and my last night was over. So sad.
We continued our drive towards Tourtour and starting winding up the mountain. It’s a small hill town and the hills a covered in autumn trees blazing in red and gold. We passed the cycling men labouring up the hill and gave them an encouraging wave as we whizzed by.
We arrived via a vary narrow street controlled by lights as two cars can’t pass. Parked in the main piazza or Place as they are called here. It’s a vy pretty space with the usual cafes but has a vy lovely garden area overlooking the view down the valley.
We wandered around the streets and chose a place for lunch. It was a clear blue day but a little chilly so decided to sit indoors with a view through the windows!
After eating beautiful duck confit and a glass of Rose we walked around the village and up the hill to the church and lookout. It’s a gradual climb through grassed area filled with picnic tables indicating just how busy it must get in summer.
We took a few photos then headed for home and the cooking of the artichokes.
I decided to google and you tube the ” how to ” and Margaret and I set about cleaning and preparing them. It w a bit of work but oh my the results were worth it. We loved them.
This was followed by risotto with Chanterelle mushrooms. Yum
To bed feeling happy and a little sad a tomorrow is my last day.
I love markets but even I have to admit defeat! I’ve seen most of the things on show at several other markets. So as much as I love going I am almost shopped out and just really enjoy the atmosphere.
I think the best markets I’ve seen these holidays would have to be in Bardolino. I was there with Anne and Narelle and we had so much fun and the things on the stalls were so very good. Who could forget the leather coat man, the coloured wallets, the cotton knickers, the Italian pottery, the shoes etc.
Today’s markets were good but there were too many scarves and too many winter clothes.
The food was good and we bought lots of things for dinner.Tonight we cooked veal roast with winter roasted veggies followed by poached pears and chocolate sauces. Delicious.
Then the lights went out! Much confusion ! But eventually they came on again and we finished dinner.
Tomorrow we’re off toTourtour about half an hour away. Fingers crossed for more fine weather. Driving through the country side is so beautiful at the moment. The trees are losing their leaves and look so golden and red, surrounded by a mountain of leaves.
Really magic .
I passed the only person I’d seen so far – a man working on his property.
I came across some flat ground with vines growing in yellow and red –
and then along to Chappelle St Martin.
It is covered in red leaves and and sat proudly on the corner overlooking the vines. I turned right (although instinct told me to turn left) and crossed another stream, rounded a corner and had to jump out of the way of the big tractor with a friendly wave from the driver. And probably an “Allors”
I must say I was hoping they had not come to grief on this path as by now it was very rocky walking. The little card for Jeanne said (and I think this is what it said, as it was in French) pray for her, she disappeared! I sincerely hoped that I didn’t disappear along this track. I saw a rocky shed – possibly for the lost and weary to shelter! Thank goodness it was blue and sunny weather. The path was now up and down and very rocky.
I didn’t know what to expect but it was gorgeous. A real sanctuary with a special outdoor area for silent prayer. As it was now 4 hours of walking I said a prayer of thanks.
I can’t tell you how lovely it was walking – so silent – so rocky up and down hill. I was greeted by one of the priests just before he jumped on his scooter and went off – probably for lunch.
So downhill I went over a rocky path with St Therese to guide me through the woods.
As I passed through the little square I saw the local council men talking down the remembrance flags from yesterday. Lest we forget.