What's new?

Progress report on some of the developments in La Tranche this winter. And you thought we hibernated out of season! 

The new jetty is penned in for 2012 and this Vendée General Council sign has gone up, so isn't it about time work started?

People will be very pleased that the old Rêve has finally been sold but it looks like it will be replaced by faceless apartments. 

They've been working in this area by the life guards' post for months now, a new eco-filter for the towns drains. Don't ask me to explain...

Even some of the smaller roads are being done up, this by the side of 'Les Moules en Folie' restaurant.

Finally the new town square, which I know many of you are interested in seeing.

Not scraping the barrel!

Well, maybe!

Hot news here is the forthcoming opening of the new Mr. Bricolage, two & a half times bigger than the current VERY depleted version, and with TWO extra staff. As you can ascertain employment is obviously booming in La Tranche!

This interesting construction is to channel the canal across the land where more housing development is mooted.

There's going to be a proper garden section which should be good.

I'm sure you will agree this is my most exciting post yet!

La Pointe d'Arçay

We drove especially to La Pointe d'Arçay one early evening as a few days earlier I had regretted not having my camera with me. The light wasn't quite as good but I'm still pleased with the photographs.

Of course all this area was badly affected by the storm in February 2010 and it is good to see such positive developments. There weren't very many birds around but no doubt come the spring it will be very busy!

La Pointe is gaining 50 m a year according to this map, the sand courtesy of La Tranche!

A ghostly figure descending the steps, and that is the ancient island of La Dive in the background, over the estuary.

The look-out post...

...in reflective mood!

Love these two - that's L'Aiguillon on the horizon.

Back to the beach

It has to be said that walks along the beach are definitely our favourites and here are a couple from recent days (continuing our healthy January regime).

Firstly La Pointe de l'Aiguillon:

The bridge from La Rochelle to the Isle de Ré seen over the Golfe de Picton

The high tide mark, a pattern of mussel and oyster shells.

A cluster of large oyster shells.

Windswept dunes

Finally the Pointe itself where the estuary meets the sea.

Another day on our way back from Longeville we called at Le Rocher, well wrapped up against the elements but tasting a BIT of warmth from the sun!

I found this Roman map ont'interweb. Have a closer look to spot La Tranche and many of the places we visit. This is the Golfe de Picton.

Old rock hunt & return to Moricq

Healthy January continues with yet more walks. One of our favourite activities is treasure hunting for ancient standing stones and we recently added three more to our collection.

Some of the stones are harder to find than others - the well-hidden Dolmen de Games

Next the aptly named Menhir de la Pierre Couchée...

...followed by the equally aptly named Menhir de la Pierre Levée 

Another day we did a short walk around Moricq, just inland from La Tranche where LCA & family used to camp.

The tree around this house was amazing, stretching round three sides!

Moricq was once a port as can be seen from these ancient cliffs.

A bit of wild life for nature lovers!

Your faithful blogger trying to be arty!

I know you've seen it before but we are always impressed by the Tour de Moricq.

Walk around St-Avaugourd-des-Landes

What happens after all the over-indulgences of the festive season? You guessed it: healthy January. As part of this we've been going for walks most days and watching what we eat (and drink sadly)!

Our first walk took us to the NW of our area on a very pleasant amble through the countryside. The clouds had been building up before we left but we were lucky to see blue skies too.

I expect these sheep will be lambing very soon.

This road could have inspired Hockney methinks (just seen some of his latest works)!

The mild, wet weather has meant mushrooms everywhere but we still don't know which are edible so we leave well alone.

Cowish formation dancing?

An impressive château at la Chesnelie.

I hope these lambs don't all have the same mother!

Another day, another walk. This one's for Peep - remember this twisted tree near La Terrière?