Sarlat

Oops, forgot to write a post on Sarlat where we had a break on our journey from Grun-Bordas to Figeac. We've never been able to park up in the past so made the most of this opportunity, despite the grey weather.

Most buildings are made of a beautiful yellow stone...

...with many narrow streets

This statue of geese stands on the Place du Marché des Oies (the old goose market)

The small indoor market was built in apart of a restored church...

...with enormous doors on one end of the structure.

Another statue, le Badaud (the onlooker), watches all the activity through the giant doors of the indoor market

The monastery right in the centre of town

A 'Lantern of the Dead' - no, I didn't know either but you can read up on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanterns_of_the_Dead

We stopped for coffee later on our travels to Figeac, the British inflence all too evident!

Return to Figeac

We sometimes feel a bit blasé (what's that in French?) about Figeac as we know it so well, but I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you're in the Lot area of France

This 13th Century building was once a mint and now houses the tourist office

The Saturday market is always busy

One of our favourite local dishes: aligot, made from mashed potato and aligot cheese. Light it isn't!

Away from the bustle of the market you can get lost in the medieval streets 

Inlaws Loulou & Sylvie live within walking distance of the town

Sylvie showing off her very own motorbike. All she needs now is to pass the test.

Loulou & Tine about to go for a spin!

This view greeted us on Sunday morning...

...and a traditional morning coffee at 'le Champo'

Later on niece Caroline came for lunch...

...along with boyfriend Jo

Tine taught Loulou the rules of Mülkky...

...whilst I resisted my craft beer gift.

Return to AAA's

Apologies to you purists but the next batch of posts will not mention La Tranche as we've been on our travels again. 

First stop: Dordogne. It was good to catch up with Anil, Anita & Arun after over a year. The house is definitely taking shape now...

Anil soon tempted me with this 9º Leffe. I'm an easy target!

Our hosts, with Astier as well

The new kitchen is fantastic...

...with all this to find a home!

The main entrance...looking good!

New for 2016: the swimming pool, not quite ready for takers though

All this land is theirs

Tine walking Astier...

...who seems to know his way!

Visit to 'Er from Brittany

It's been a while since we spent a bit of time with 'Er as Mum Betty wasn't very well this winter whilst staying there. The weather was rather disappointing after a lovely couple of weeks (and seeing high temperatures back in the UK) but we still managed to have fun.

We visited Noyal-Muzillac as 'Er had seen a leaflet extolling its virtues: an ancient cross,

a deep well,

a very pretty church,

a weigh-bridge

and the old town washing area.

When we finally found a way into the church there were some lovely stained glass windows

I think we can knock Noyal-Muzillac off our bucket list, not exactly the most interesting of places!

On the Sunday we introduced 'Er to the joys of Mölkky, a Finnish game that we first played last year

Tine whooped us of course!

No photographic evidence but we also visited Tine's goddaughter Cécile and family at Larmor-Baden, arriving too late to walk across to the Île de Berder, but later enjoyed a fabulous meal at L'Épicurien restaurant in Sulniac.

A busy day in May

Ascension is a public holiday in France and this year 5th May fell on a Thursday: schools were closed and many companies shut down for a long weekend. La Tranche was like peak season in July and August. Local businesses weren't complaining though, with record takings for this time of year.

Pedro's bar is back, but sadly without Pedro who has had to move back to Portugal through poor health

There was a very high tide so not much room on the beaches for the sun-bathers

Some ventured into the sea but at 13.7ºC they must have been mad!

 Meanwhile back at the ranch, Sacha's loving playing out chez nous.

Mamie got the ball pool out...

...but the lion is still a favourite!