Had a fabulous time in the south west of France!

Stayed at a restored farmhouse called Le Clozet in the picturesque hilltop village of Pouy Roquelaure. Heaven for both the Rykersaurus and his parents: superb views and lush parklands, very comfortable accommodation (gorgeous stone and timber), lavish continental breakfast and last but not least, a playground and go-karts!  The owners were Welsh and thus communication was tres simple, which always helps too (although I had been enjoying speaking French!)

It was in Pouy that I attempted my first drive on the right hand side of the road. Very strange feeling, like I was driving in the middle of the road – which I probably was! My heart was in my mouth as I negotiated my way along narrow, pebbly roads to the restaurant that night. Luckily, it doesn’t get dark until at least 10 pm and the roads were pretty quiet so we arrived in one piece. Dieu merci! Coming home later I was much more confident and according to Jason, drove very well, albeit a bit fast!

The restaurant, Cafe Restaurant de la Paix, about 10 kms away in Laplume was recommended by Le Clozet and was fabulous (and very reasonable). The next night we dined at a bar in Nerac (need to research the name of it) which was equally brilliant. More about this bar in a later blog.

We also visited the Nerac markets on the Saturday, which were incredible.  I have never seen (and smelt) so many varieties of cheese in my life! The markets ran down the main street and then curved around like a snake, which I am sure they sold as well, given the amazing amount of produce on display.  Meat, eggs, vegetables as well as an huge array of clothes of a quality you should expect in France but which surprised me nevertheless. If only we had a bit more space in our suitcases!

And finally, a word about the Rykersaurus: he has become even more obsessed with combine harvesters since we arrived in  rural France. Thousands of questions are being fired at us from the pink seat, from what does the tractor behind do and are the chutes on the side for spitting out the crops, to what would happen if a ginormous combine harvester landed on a tree and started cutting it up? Serious obsession. That and cars. And bats (electric and manual – go figure). More Rykersaurus obsessions later.