Visiting friends

After leaving our little B&B near Vergheas we headed to the Périgord in the Dordogne.

Some friends had moved to France at a similar time to us, making the northernmost part of the Dordogne their home, but as they are a good six hours away from Champagne neither of us had managed to visit the other. This was an ideal opportunity then to drop in and see them

Our first evening was a delightful time spent catching up on the years, which really just seemed like months. We supped rosé and enjoyed a delicious homemade dinner, with herbs and salad, and fruit from the garden.

The following day we visited the very picturesque town of Brantôme together.

Brantome is referred to as the ‘little Venice’ of the Dordogne, you can see why with its meandering rivers, and structural canals. Probably unlike Venice though the water is crystal clear, full of fish, and has pretty demoiselles fluttering across the surface.

We spent some time wandering around the little streets, dipping into the tourist shops, and searching for books in the second hand bookstore.

Lunch was in a darling little restaurant reaching out over the river — Rick had made sure we had prime seats with magnificent views down the river. Our meal was unhurried and delicious. I had a truffle ravioli for starter, which did not disappoint. Then for main I chose duck, another very tasty popular local dish.

After lunch we strolled back to the car in the 35°c heat, it was certainly hotting up.

We then headed to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, another gorgeously picturesque village, but this time more medieval, with its round church and ‘musketeer’ style bridge — Rick felt he could imagine d’Artagnan fencing across it.

We enjoyed some refreshing tea and cold drinks at L’aile Fan Rose, a literie tea house, before heading home for another delightful night eating and drinking in the garden. Such a perfect way to spend a holiday.