At Emilion. Sunday 

After a slightly slower start we headed off this morning when most the town were still asleep. We had another lovely walk and swim  and the weather just keeps getting better. In sure now we are heading away from the sea it will get hot!

I did a quick pack – funny how I start to just throw things in the case as opposed to the careful rolling I did before I left.

Then off we went towards Bordeaux. First stop Bergerac,  a small town I had been keen to check out. I’ve read a few books set  in this area and really enjoyed poking around the ancient streets.

Sundays  in these villages have a different atmosphere. They are slow and lazy with groups sitting at long tables enjoying a slow lunch. Most shops were closed so it was all about the food and the wine. And this is a wine area. The Bordeaux wines are well known and we were keen to sample a few. Though with the warm weather all we managed in Bergerac was an icy granita!

On to St Emilion which is a picturesque town on a small hill. Colours are muted – pale honey colours dominate. Not the white with grey slate of the Loire or the blue shutters of Provence.

The town was stuffed full of tourists and we felt quite smug to be staying in a really nice B&B at the entrance to the town. Doing my homework when it comes to finding accomodation really pays off. So far really good places.

We walked up and around the cobbled streets working up a thirst until we reached a quaint square with tables surrounded by fans blowing misted cool air. Sold ! A beer and vino later – accompanied by foie gras a little  a local specialty, we were feeling more human and rested.

We found a good place for dinner and  I promise myself each day that I will not eat too much. But I’m not very strong over here when  confronted with delicious food. Mind you I’m still staying away from gluten, so no bread or pastries for me. It’s SO hard.

Lovely B&B St Emilion. les Chambre d’Ovaline

 
 

Sitting in the pink. at our B&B

  
 

What a day : Saturday

What a day. We got to Mark and Lauren Chisholm’s house by 2 pm, for a meet and greet and the odd glass of champagne. Lauren has her sister, brother in law and their 2 children staying from London. Also her brother from Australia, his American wife and their 2 children. Her sister and her new husband ( another Rugby player with the Force) Her parents Bill and Lynne Campbell ( also a former Wallaby) sensibly choose to stay at the beautiful Palace Hotel in Biarritz. We met Lauren and Mark’s 5 children who are all adorable and toured their lovely big French house. 

Today was like being in the land of the Giants. Wherever we went in Bayonne people stared! Bill Campbell is huge and then there is Mark 6’6, his two brothers’ in law both 6’5 and another brother in law small at 6.1! Poor Steve! 

Bayonne was awash in red and white and the whole Fete was like the Ekka, the Royal Easter Show, Expo, the running of the Bulls, a huge pop concert all rolled into one city! People were friendly and chatty. Everyone was having fun dancing, drinking yes, but not to excess ( except maybe for our little group who were trying hard!)
We had a long lunch that started at 3 and ended I’m not sure when. Then we walked around the city and looked at dancing, a band, some singing and did a bit of bar hopping. After awhile the “oldies” decided to pull the plug and head for home. However party boy Bill stayed behind with the kids.

We got back to the hotel round 10 and Steve has hit the bed already.