Ile de Ré

La Tranche is sheltered ftom the Atlantic Ocean by a long, low-lying island called the Ile de Ré. On most days you can see it quite clearly on the horizon (although TOO clearly is a sign of bad weather to come, locals say!) The island is connected to the mainland by a magnificent bridge near La Rochelle. In 2007 the toll to cross the bridge is 16€ but the return journey is free (!). Yesterday we took K& P over to the island and spent a lovely day browsing around St Martin-de-Ré which is a picturesque port almost Mediterranean in feel, and, wait for it, Ars-en-Ré. I couldn't resist the photo above: schoolboy humour will out .... It's been said that land on the island is some of the most expensive in France and rumour has it that Johnny Depp has a house there. Will expect a flood of female visitors shortly!

Did the return trip to La Rochelle again today, this time to take K&P back to the airport. They have had a really good week with mainly good weather and a great appartment. They took us (and M) out for a steak 'A l'Étage' which is the old Bar Zinc now run by son M's friend. The steaks are cooked on an open fire which was great last night as the evenings are getting cooler. Last time we roasted! We were really chuffed to show K around the area (P came out for a week last year) and hope it won't be too long before she comes again. You haven't tried everything yet, K!!