Paris

27th March 2009 ..... 3 days in Paris with Aunty Jenny and cousin Louis.... say no more!

Dordogne and Lot Valleys

21st March 2009 ...... "oooh, gorgeous, another chateau!" Multiply by a very large number and you have the kind of dialogue that was going on for most of the weekend.  The Dordogne is a valley that a lot of people know of, and rightly so for its magnificent scenery, ancient fortifications and chateaus.  The Lot Valley was equally so, but in a slightly more rugged and un-touristed fashion.

Highlights for us were having Jenny and cousin Louis along, Chateau de Castelnaud, staying with friends in their gorgeous old farmhouse in the Lot Valley and the Parc de Marqueysaac (we're coming home to rip out the garden and put in a bit of hedging!).  

Didn't get to the Lascaux caves (closed!) ..... hopefully next time.

Printemps Festivale

20th March 2009 ..... "Festivale" at the kids school to celebrate the end of winter and the start of spring.  Kids get dressed up in fancy dress, throw confetti at one another, have a procession through the streets to the local church square and then return to school to eat cake .... what's not to like!

St Émilion

8th March 2009 ..... The Lonely Planet guide says "Glowing with halo-like golden hues .... the medieval village perches above vineyards ..... "  That pretty much sums up this gorgeous hilltop village.  

We were also very impressed by the ancient catacombs dating back to 750 and amazing 11th century underground church.

The day was freezing but the views magnificent.  As were the macaroons and red wine!