Walk near Bourgenay/Veillon

Using our trusted walks guide from the tourist information centre in Talmont Saint Hilaire we returned to Bourgenay but this time headed inland instead of doing our usual walk along the low cliffs.

This used to be where they dried tobacco leaves. I had no idea that they grew tobacco in Vendée!

An old mill dating from the Middle Ages, now partly restored...

...and how it used to look.

I found a couple of visitors there too!

Nearby there was, believe it or not, a pigeon house built in 1722.

There were four levels and it could house 2000 birds.

There's no mention of hot water but there's plenty of running cold water from the open roof!

We had to curtail our walk (lunch and Tine's commitments) but not before walking through ancient woodlands.

We'll certainly repeat this walk. Any takers?

Signs of spring

There are definite signs of spring everywhere, with nature finally waking up from its long slumber. Just a few more warmer days wouldn't go amiss though...

Cheerful daffodils are to be seen everywhere...

...accompanied by the sweet smell of mimosa

Even wild flowers are getting in on the act

In the garden there are catkins,

Shrek plants, 

forsythia  (which actually had a few flowers in December!)

and early buds on the cherry tree and onions in the raised bed.

A splash of colour in Les Sables...

...and a neighbour's beautiful flowering cherry.

Grape hyacinths can often be seen by the roadside with hollyhocks starting their growth spurt!

Guéhenno

I've never seen anything like the calvery at Guéhenno. The original was damaged during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution but a later rector Abbé Jacquot rebuilt it starting in 1853, using some of the original materials and adding his own sculptures.

Christ in His tomb

Detail on the side of the ossuary

We found it strange that all the children's graves were grouped together, unnamed, behind the church with no explanation.

Once again the Wikipedia page is very informative - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary_at_Guéhenno

Questembert & Trédion

On the Saturday the weather was better and after lunch outside (yes!) we took to the car and continued our visits.

Earlier we'd gone to Questembert for 'Er from Brittany to collect a parcel and enjoyed a peaceful walk around the lake there.

Later in the afternoon we stopped at the magnificent château at Trédion and walked in the grounds. If you have a wedding to organise or want to rent an apartment, this is your place!

I feel I'm being rather reflective today!

Back to Sulniac and new-born lambs aplenty. Don't mention mint sauce though...

Carnac

It's been a while since we visited Carnac so we took the opportunity of a few days chez 'er from Brittany to do a bit of sightseeing. Sadly the weather was rather overcast but I don't suppose the standing stones minded.

I advise those interested to read the Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnac_stones -  fascinating!

There are many rows of menhirs...

...erected over 5000 years ago.

Most are very weathered by the elements

We also spotted this dolmen...

...and an ancient Bretonne?

Changes at the AAAs

We called in on old friends and Bingley neighbours, Anil, Anita & Arun, still building their dream home in Dordogne. It was great to spend a couple of nights there, but next time we'll go when it's better weather!

Look who's bigger than his Dad these days (and not as grey)!

The living-room end of the new house with the mezzanine structure well in place. We made good use of Anil's home cinema on a very wet afternoon!

The static caravan is about to go after nearly seven years!

This is the new garage and gîte where everything can be stored from the main house to allow them to do the under-floor heating

There's never a shortage of boys' toys when Anil's about!

Return to Figeac (2)

There was plenty of bird activity down on the River Lot, and wonderful signs of spring elsewhere.

Do you reckon this nest is big enough?

The evening light was particularly good that day

I spy snowdrops and primula in the garden...

...and catkins dropping from the beautiful sky!