Developments in town

Whilst we two gently hibernate others are working on getting ready for next season.

Firstly 'le Rêve' hotel, which has been an eyesore on the sea front for many years now. This time it definitely looks like things are happening.

Adverts for the 34 apartments (no restaurant as rumoured at first)...

...and plans.

On the left, permission to demolish; on the right, construction planning permission

There was even a model outside this summer

Further up the coast, it's all systems go for le Pavillon

Local press says it's on target to open next May

 And between the two?

Extra protection on the boardwalk...

...for the season of high seas.

Le Château de la Cantaudière, Venise Verte & la Belle Henriette

'Er from Brittany came to stay for a few days and we played at being tourists again. Naturally no photographic evidence of 'Er ever being here!

Each September France has a heritage weekend when places that aren't usually visitable open their doors to the public

Destination le Château de la Cantaudière, a short car journey from La Tranche. Sadly we had to make do with outside viewing as major works were being carried out.

Wild cyclamen in abundance

Next day to Arçais in the Venise Verte, 'Er never having experienced the boat excursion along the man-made waterways

Our guide setting fire to the methane gas bubbling up from the bed of the canal

Onwards to Maillezais with its water lilies and its own port for waterway trips

Another visit took us to La Belle Henriette where much work has been done since the 2010 storm

The old bridge over the lagoon...

...thankfully now replaced!

Another cousinade & Dave's birthday weekend

Mid-September we were invited to Jean-Pierre & Catherine's for a 'cousinade', everyone in fine form.

Celebrating JP&C and Jean & Monique's wedding anniversaries Tine set about making a pièce montée. What a success, as you can see!

Table decorations are far more fun as a disguise, eh Jean...

...and Tine?

My birthday and Matt & Cynthia invited us to l'Equinoxe restaurant

Look who arrived next day for an overnight visit!

Yes, it's Nadine, and yet another restaurant meal. This time at l'Etage.

I was given a zoom for my camera for my birthday...

...and these are my first two efforts.

Red sky at night? I can't even remember if the shepherds/sailors (depending on your version) were delighted or not!

Le Moulin de Rambourg & Back to beach walks

We joined a local walking group and our first visit took us to Nesmy (to the south of La Roche) where we discovered Le Moulin de Rambourg, an old water mill.

 

September means back to beach walks, still with beautiful weather

This group of aliens set to capture the town, methinks...

...but this shadowy pair will save the day!

A restored cannon has taken pride of place not far from the jetty

Into September

Each 1st September La Tranche goes into pre-hibernation mode as people go back to work and school. This year the good weather continued and we made the most of it!

The birds gathering on the nearby mast warn us that the summer is ending...

...but nobody told this butterfly.

Our turmeric plant has been as beautiful as ever

...along with the flowering yucca...

...and a second batch of artichokes. Yummy! 

The hanging basket lives on with a couple of additions

Not from our garden but this selection was practically given away at a local market garden

Meanwhile it's 'au-revoir Angela' on the last day at le Camping Baie d'Aunis, Tine giving a helping hand...

...and the sun shines on. Your faithful blogger testing the new hammock.

Nature knows best: the end of the season for crops of corn...

...and sunflowers.