Journey to Grun-Bordas

Prepare to be mind-blown: the non-motorway route from Figeac to Grun-Bordas is full of treats for the eye.

Just a short drive from Figeac is the beautiful sleepy village of Cardaillac...

...its wash-house with running water...

...and fascinating figures carved on the walls.

We even found a tower to climb,  to be rewarded by wonderful views of the village.

Further on our journey the fairytale-like château of Lacapelle Marival where we spent several summers staying at the town campsite.

Next, the fortified church of Souillac

Finally, not too far from our destination, the chateau at Beynac

Plus blue skies throughout our journey. Result!!

Figeac

A bumper issue: time to catch up with the in-laws in Figeac.

It was rainy on our arrival but it's hard not to go for a stroll!

Au Toutou Chic, Sylvie's dog-grooming  business beside their house

Next morning, the promise of better weather, view from our bedroom

Later the clouds return. Their house is in the middle distance, on the left.

Tine & Loulou enjoying coffee at le Champo(llion), named after Figeac's illustrious son who first deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The market is colourful whatever the weather

A rare occasion,a meal at the restaurant: Sylvie, moi, Caroline, Francine, Loulou & Tine

New for 2017: a swimming pool, Loulou  & Sylvie doing the work themselves (with a pal's help from time to time).

Brother & sister after a glass or two!

Next morning there are clear blue skies, with a trip to the bakery...

...and a wander around the beautiful town.

L'église du Puy...

...which overlooks the town.

Back at home, another family shot (looks like apéritif time again)...

...including niece Caroline with boyfriend Jo, about to move into their own home.

Villeréal, Monpazier & Prats du Périgord

One things visitors always notice when I drive them back from La Rochelle airport is how few people they spot in the villages. It would seem it's not just an issue in Vendée, just look at South-West France!

Villeréal has an impressive fortified church...

...an intricate covered market place...

...and many medieval buildings.

Next stop Monpazier with its 'arcades'...

...and a smaller covered market-place.

Last stop before Figeac, the beautifully named Prats-du-Périgord...

...beautiful despite its name!

Issigeac

We decided to meander our way down to Figeac, stopping off at any village/town that attracted us. That's how we found Issigeac.

On our way we just happened to come across some deer grazing in the field. Later one jumped out right in front of the car. 

Le Palais des Evêques de Sarlat (Bishops' Palace)

Wonderful medieval architecture..

...and narrow streets...

...with hardly a soul about.

The Gothic church of St Felicien

A clue to local construction methods!

Talmont-sur-Gironde & Montguyon

Across the bay from Meschers lies Talmont-sur-Gironde where we had a lovely walk around the 'presque-île' (peninsula), admiring the church on its headland.

Our reason for visiting the area came from a Christmas present from Tine: an overnight stay in a 'table d'hôte'. To be honest our stay was rather disappointing but we loved exploring a new area.

La Pierre Folle (the Mad Stone) just outside Montguyon...

...most of you know about our love of ancient rocks!

Montguyon has a magnificent old castle. We had to shelter in the car from a heavy hail storm...

...but we were rewarded by superb light for our photos.