The Hills arrive...

...eventually, after a 4-hour delay at Stansted Airport (merci Ryanair)!

Of course I set off on time for their arrival, so had plenty of time to discover  L'Houmeau...

...with its brilliant view of the bridge to L'Île de Ré (despite very gray weather)...

...and rediscover the church at Marsilly, still the only thing of interest there.

Finally in La Tranche and next morning Alfie shows off his sister (and his bed-head)!

Betty seemed to like her 'new' push-chair

Of course the pool is always the biggest draw...

...especially when the weather improves so dramatically.

Simon with Betty & Alfie. Seconds later Betty's grip on Alfie's hair was a little too much!

Alfie ready to drive off in Big Dave's Méhari

The Hills family in all their glory, photo taken at Cynthia's Slice Café

Finally a stolen picture from Barnsey (thank you, young sir): back in Dronfield Simon celebrate's his xxth birthday!

La Tour de Moricq

Tine's been going for physiotherapy three times a week near the roundabout between Angles and Moricq. She generally stays for an hour, enough time for me to drive home and back again but not very eco-friendly in this day and age. 

Solution: park up in the shade of the trees near La Tour de Moricq...

...with beautiful hollyhocks for company!

The tower is impressive from all angles 

Around 4500 BC, this part of Vendée was under the sea, a bay known as Le Golf des Pictons. La Tranche was submerged but Moricq was on the coast.

The tower served as a look-out post on the mouth of the River Lay. There's more info in French for those wanting to practise their skills..

One day I had no need to avoid the hot sun when the heavens opened whilst parked up in Angles...

...thankfully it stopped raining just in time to pick Tine up, but you can see there was still plenty of rain, thunder & lightning to come!

Mainly Sacha

We're now in May and the weather's getting warmer. Mamie is still in her wheelchair, so Papy to the rescue!

After picking Sacha up from his childminder we sometimes head for the playpark at Camping de la Baie d'Aunis, just over the road..

...or to La Cabane de Marie for a play in the sand...

...and a cheeky beer for Papy.

No persuasion needed for a splash in the pool...

...or a piece of Papy's cake (yes, you read that correctly)!

Pre-season there's no fighting for tables at l'Équipage, Sacha striking his Spiderman pose I think.

A bit of peace & quiet Kindle time for Papy near the jetty...

...and a dip in the pool to cool off.

Meanwhile look what's arrived in the Super U carpark, not one but two baguette dispensers. Imagine that in Bingley!

Garden update

Always a popular post!

Back to April for the first photo: yet another wonderful display from our wisteria (merci 'Er from Brittany)!

What a year for artichokes: here the first one is poking its head out of the leaves...

...soon to be followed by many, many more.

April days for the strawberry plants...

...still fruiting in July.

Tomato plants all grown from seed...

...just about taking over in July, none ripe enough yet though.

Not always the most welcome visitor, but beautiful all the same

Every year we think it's the best year yet for the albizia, perfect for sitting under on a hot day (of which we've had many)

A beautiful butterfly obviously enjoying the lavender

Just one of our tubs...

...but this one seems to have an alien growing in it!

1000th post!

I wasn't sure what to do to make this post a little special, so back to the time machine, faithful followers.

1981: Matt's first time in La Tranche, just 11 months old

Tine, her mum Jeannette & Matt

Matt loving the sea

1983: Matt drowning his Maman...

...and getting a wet bottom!

1986: Nadine now 3&1/2 years old in the garden of the big house at Baie d'Aunis

Jean taking Matt for a ride on the campsite tractor

Our usual spot on the beach to the left of the jetty, 'where all the northerners go' as we once heard someone say!

Nadine loving the little orange corvette... 

...later joined by Maman & big brother. 

Nadine already confident in the sea

1987: the year the Kershaws came too. Nadine, Joe & Alice ready for bed...

...and Matt apparently in feet first!

'Calin plage' - beach cuddle 

Janice & Tine with Joe & Alice

Two jetties ago, Matt with his Deidre Barlow specs!

Nadine's joy shines through on these two photos

Outside our summer home behind the big house, thanks to Jean & Monique... 

...and the view from inside.

Nadine predicting the name of her brother's bar in years to come...

...and her turn for a ride on Jean's tractor.

1989: At the Camping Baie d'Aunis swimming pool with J&M's beautiful daughter Cécile

Philippe's turn for beach fun

I love this one, Tine & Phil oblivious to the axe-murderer and international spy in their midst! 

A final photo to sum it all up, picnic lunch in the shade of the trees

Thanks for staying faithful, readers!