Avoiding the rain (1)

Even with the threat of rain we set off for a walk, heading towards La Terrière. We passed one of Phil's favourite spots in La Tranche where this old Citroën 2CV has been gradually dilapidating over the years. There are now trees growing through it: I can't believe I've never photographed it before.

We continued and soon heard the unmistakeable sound of a turkey 'gobbling', and what specimens we found. They put our recent Christmas dinner to shame!

A pair of geese were almost as impressive, doing their job trying to keep us away. Thankfully the fencing came in useful.

Then across the Longeville Road to begin what we have come to call 'the Ragondin walk'. These beautiful teazles were impressive (sorry about the bin in the background)!

L'Océane & blossom

The wooden promenade is completely in place again and is already proving to be very popular, particularly at weekends when visitors can see the major reinforcements in front of l'Océane apartment block. Can you spot l'Isle de Ré on the horizon?

If the blossom on our fruit trees is anything to go by we should be in for a bumper crop this year. More traditional daffodils, tulips and hyacinths have also given us much appreciated vibrant colour in the garden.

Back to l'Abbeye de Lieu Dieu

Just a couple of kilometres inland from La Plage de la Ragounite is L'Abbeye de Lieu Dieu, one of our favourite destinations with visitors (and therefore a regular feature on the blog, he said apologetically). We had fun disturbing many of the frogs enjoying the spring air before walking down to the old abbey, sadly falling into more and more disrepair.

La Plage de la Ragounite

Whilst out-and-about with Phil and 'Er from Brittany we discovered this lovely beach just to the north of Jard-sur-Mer with fascinating rock formations and crumbling cliffs. The deliciously warm weather also helped us to enjoy the stroll.

Christmas in March?

Whilst exploring South America Matt sent us a message requesting an English Christmas Dinner on his return. Of course Phil couldn't resist the temptation of booking a quick weekend visit to coincide with this event!

Whilst Phil and 'Er from Brittany were here we went on a couple of trips out, firstly to La Pointe de l'Aiguillon, a popular walk for us, but never had we seen it with such a high tide. Luckily the sea was pretty calm and no damage ensued.

Romance was literally in the air a few days ago when this plane flew over the house. (Translation: Lou, will you marry me?)

Now, which is better, in the air or underwater? There's only one way to find out: FIGHT!!!!

Brouage (Part Two)

On the entrance to the town is found this sign: 'Traveller, stop here you must as the ground you are walking on and the air you are breathing are filled with past greatness and glory.' (Translation thanks to a great website, http://brouage-uk.weebly.com/index.html)

'The Grotto of the Deported Priests'

Tine tries the ancient latrines!

You can imagine the view from the citadel looking over the sea.

The Saint-Luc powderhouse

Couldn't help but think of Diagon Alley when we saw this wall.

This was the ice room, built into the ground. Now where did they get the ice from?

I was really pleased with this photo but there's a very similar one on the website!

Brouage (Part One)

We took the opportunity of driving our lovely niece Caroline to her nursing entrance exam in La Rochelle to venture a little further down the Charente coast to Brouage, a site recommended to us years ago by old friend Martin (sorry, didn't bump into your aunt, sir).

Brouage was once a thriving port but the harbour gradually silted up in the 17th century and the coast is now 2 km away.

Within the old walls lies a small town, built grid fashion, and the white stone of its buildings shone brightly on a beatifully sunny day.

We even managed to have lunch outside...

... before strolling along the walls, enjoying views of the oyster farms and assorted old buildings

More next time!