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France Exploration 15-23.04.22France Exploration 15-23.04.22
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The Hollywood’s Honeymoon Roadtrip! Read more
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  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 1

    Day 01 - Hollywoods Hit France

    April 15, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Not too early a start today, followed by a taxi drive to a refreshingly busy Gatwick North Terminal. Looks like Covid days are starting to be less impactful.
    We were met in the Terminal by Linda & Phil (Mr Paul Hollywood and Mrs Mary Berry) our travel companions for this week and soon we we’re in the snake towards check-in. Swiftly on through to ‘Central Search’ - those that know will know. Everything was fine until we had our first loss of the day, thankfully not Paul or Mary, just a coat which we managed to recover . . . . didn’t we Mary 😂
    A quick 1.5hrs later and we landed in a sunny and very warm Toulouse. Swept through all that the security and baggage reclaim had to offer and out to collect our car. Not again were we in our beloved Fiat 500 but this time a Citroen snazzy people carrier thingy.
    Heading out of the airport north west on the N224 we arrived in Launac and at our B&B for one night -
    Le Clos Du Cedre - which on arrival was absolutely stunning inside and out. Sophie our host showed us around her lovingly converted Stable and Tobacco Drying Warehouse. The 10yrs of work on the building had not been in vane and had we not already pre booked a Gite elsewhere for the rest of the week we would happily if stayed here. Paul showed his comedic routines to Sophie whenever possible and it’s fair to say, even with her limited English (far better than my limited French) she could see the humour. In fact she named Paul as a Man with a Childs Heart - which seemed perfect.
    Sophie rounded off her tour with a booking at a restaurant nearby for us and then telling me of the code for the wiffy, which of course was the wifi and not for Teresa.
    We killed an hour at the the B&B before setting off for Grenade which was about 10-15 minutes away.
    Parked up we walked to the restaurant passing a lovely roofed market square very near to the towns central church.
    La Croisée des Saveurs (The Crossroads of Flavours), was a small boutique restaurant in one of the side streets with a small number of tables. Sophie had arranged for the restaurant’s best English speaker to look after us and so ‘Vincent’ became our adopted group member for the evening.
    The food was a choice of one from three of each - entrées, plates and desserts. Teresa Paul and Munch opted for entrées of haddock which was treated with lemon ‘cerviche’, whilst Mary and I opted for what I can only describe as similar to white sausage, which from the menu translated to ‘kid’ but Vincent translated to baby lamb. Mains were bouef for all five of us. Desserts of cream and strawberry between two discs of very thin shortbread were for everyone apart from me - I opted poached pear covered in chocolate with vanilla ice cream and crushed nuts!
    The food from start to finish was fab, with not a piece left by anyone. Vincent was a star during the evening with all the other staff being polite and charming. Definitely a spot to return to.
    A short drive home, then ten minutes trying to get the car to switch off entirely - who knew it could be that difficult.
    After a fairly relaxed travel day we had all had enough and our beds were calling our names.    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 2

    Day 02 - Onwards To Moncaut

    April 16, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Up not to early for breakfast - prepared by the lovely Sophie. We had seen rave reviews for the food offered at La Cros and we we not disappointed. Everything you would have expected from a typical French offering, but with some home made extras thrown in.
    It was about 11am when we said our goodbyes to Sophie and set off for a mini day trip on route to our Gite for the week.
    We headed north east passing through Sarrant and Homos before reaching Fleurance. We stopped briefly for a wander round the market which was unfortunately just closing down - lesson learnt about our timings.
    We set off again on route to Lectoure, north on the N21.
    Set up high on a bill top Lectoure gives stunning views of the countryside around. It’s church with over looks the views also, is the focal point of the town.
    We took some time to wander the main high street area and stopped for drinks.
    With the need to arrive at our destination by 4pm with decided to drive to Condom for supplies, leaving ourselves just enough time to make it the the Gite and be on time.
    Travelling north west on both the D166 and D7 we arrived in Condom, but with little time to spare we hit the Intermarché to grab bits and pieces to see us through the weekend - not being sure what would be available to us over the next couple of days as it was Easter Weekend. Food and drink loaded into the car we set off north on the D190 to Roqué, Moncaut.
    We arrived slightly early which we had hoped to do and were met by our hosts Michel and Monique who were both immediately charming and showed us around their pride and joy.
    It want long before they had departed and we were left to unpack the car, relax, grab some food and drink and finish the evening with a sunset game on pétanque, which Mr Hollywood eventually won . . . more by default than skill and judgement 😂
    We called it an evening, with plans made to visit a local market tomorrow morning . . . Let’s see if we make it on time.    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 3

    Day 03 - Tales From The Riverbank

    April 17, 2022 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Well, we all almost over-slept but dragged ourselves out in the nick of time to make our way to market, taking the D137 through Francescas and then west bound on the D112 & D149 passing through Lasserre, before finally arriving at Mézin.
    The market was probably not as large as we were expecting, but the bonus was that it being directly next to the church, meant volunteers were handing out Easter Eggs as it was Easter Sunday. When timed correctly it was possible to walk the square of the market and get access to 4 egg baskets each lap.
    Filled with chocolate eggs, croissants and coffee we left the market having now decided to drive to Nérac.
    Taking the D696 north east we arrived in Nérac some 20 minutes later.
    The fortified medieval and renaissance town of Nérac, the capital of the Albret region, nestles on the banks of the Baïse with picturesque properties along the banks. In glorious sunshine we explored the narrow backstreets and main square, before stopping for drinks on the riverside. After some more following our nose through the historic backstreets we returned to the car and headed back home.
    The afternoon was spent sitting in the sunshine, chatting and chilling before we decided to walk down and around the lake, which is nestled just down from the gite.
    Back at the gite, we fed and watered before calling it a day. Tomorrow there is no rush to wake up 😉    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 4

    Day 04 - Back In Time

    April 18, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    A lazy morning this morning, with us not thinking the Hollywoods were awake and them thinking we weren’t awake either - and neither of us wanting to wake the others.
    That issue finally sorted we headed off east on the D15 to Laplume, stopping first at the Intermarché to buy some bits for a BBQ later this afternoon.
    We then drove into Laplume itself and being less than inspired with what we saw we drove immediately out and headed south west towards Condom on the D931, through Condom and west on the D15 to Larressingle.
    Larressingle Is part of the history of Gascony and quoted as being one of the most beautiful and smallest fortified villages in France. It is compared in style to Carcassonne with outer walls, courtyards, crenelated towers, a moat, entrance gate, 13th century château, and a fortified 12th century church. Medieval houses are also situated inside the outer walls - as they would have been in the 16th century.
    We stopped to have drinks at the nearby restaurant before eventually heading back to Roque!
    On getting back to the gite the sun was fully in operation and so a couple of drinks followed by a BBQ was all that the day required. Magret cooked by yours truly was the main dish, which to be fair did catch me a little off guard when the fat started to render - it was a scene similar to towering inferno.
    Rescued - the duck was a success!
    Plans for tomorrow have been hatched and so an early get up at 6am is booked and alarm clocks set.    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 5

    Day 05 Long And Winding Road

    April 19, 2022 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Well today was always going to be a long day. We had set up some house viewings for the Hollywoods and also sneaked in a return to our favourite property.
    So up at 6am and out the door at 7am much to the dis-pleasure of Munch . . . Off we went.
    Heading initially north east on the N62 to Agen and then north on the N1021. We then travelled north west on the N21 through to Bergerac. Stopping briefly at a hypermarché to grab a croissant and a coffee we then continued north once more on the N21 through to the lovely Périgueux with it stunning cathedral perched on the raised skyline. Straight through Périgueux we continued north - to and through Thiviers still on the N21 until reaching Chalus, we now being in the Haute Vienne region. We met Willem our estate agent outside the post office at just gone 11am as agreed and then followed him to the 1st property for Mr & Mrs H. The first property was a maybe a little on the small side, typical French hamlet build.
    After about 45 minutes we said our good byes to Willem and continued north west on the D901 to and through Étagnac onto the D948 still heading north west. Travelling through Confolens and finally onto Pressac via the D148. We then branched onto the D741 through to Saint-Martin-l’Ars and then west on the D28 to and through Joussé. We then pulled in to visit our favourite property - our second visit now, to see if we still felt the same as we did on our first. Arriving we met Paul (Jasper Carrot) at 2pm - who had kindly already opened up everything for us and left us to explore once again. We showed Munch and the Hollywoods everything the property had to offer, and the numerous bits that needed fixing.
    It was soon time to move on and so said our goodbyes to Jasper before heading off.
    We drove south west to Savigné on the D36 to meet with Kate at 3.30pm who was to show us the next two properties for Mr & Mrs H.
    The first was again in a quiet hamlet, this one with a stunning garden and pool. The inside of the property needed work in some areas, but nothing that was non achievable. Definitely one for further consideration.
    We departed after a good wander around and headed to the final property of the day. This had been suggested to us by Kate last minute and so was a blind viewing.
    On arrival the property immediately showed it size and options, with a new extension/conversion aspect on the end. Within everything that had been renovated had been done to a high standard, but had at some point just had the works stop . . . and so lots still to do. A very clean, spacious and new build blank canvas.
    We said our goodbyes to Kate and started the long haul home.
    We hit the D1 and D8 respectively south west to Condac and then out the other side to pick up the N10 south. We continued south through Tourriers and then south east all the way down to the outskirts of Bordeaux. Then heading south east we drove the A62 through to Damazan stopping once to grab a bowl of pasta and a drink in some services.
    At Damazan we hopped onto the D108 and subsequently the D119 through to Bruch. Continuing south east on the D287 and finally the D15 we finally arrived back at Roqué at 10.30pm.
    Over a very quick beer we figured we had achieved a rough 500km journey for the day before falling into our beds.
    Oh and it rained on the way home - a lot !!
    A lot to think about tonight with the properties still on our minds.    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 6

    Day 06 - Duras

    April 20, 2022 in France ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    A well deserved lay in this morning, before we set off for the Hollywood’s last house tour of the holiday.
    At 1230pm we set off from Roque heading north on the D15 and then north west on the D656 to Bruch. We then headed west on the D119 D642 and D108 before joining the main A62 through to Samazan. We then headed north on the D933 and D813 before finally joining the D708 through to Duras.
    Stopping for a short while at Duras directly next to the Chateau we grabbed food (probably the best burger in the world) and coffee, as for once we were actually ahead of time.
    We set off for the last ten minute drive to meet James the agent at the address in Villeneuve de Duras. On arrival we met James who had only just arrived himself, before being shown inside. The property was two houses combined into one, and were believed to be amongst the oldest in the village, if not the oldest.
    The house needed quite a bit of work, but the scenes from the rear garden were stunning.
    After roughly an hour we parted with James and headed to the nearby ‘Huge’ Leclerc store. We spent decidedly more time in Leclerc than I personally would have preferred, but everyone else seemed to be enjoying a little retail therapy. Replenished with food, drink and 1970’s aftershave for Paul, we left and took the reciprocal route to our journey this morning arriving back at Roque at about 7.00pm.
    A very chilled evening followed, supplemented with our now staple diet of bread, cheese’s, chorizo and quiche. We even extended to a salad tonight 🥴
    We sat chatting until late, knowing we actually had no plans for tomorrow and another lay-in was on offer.
    Tomorrow is a blank canvas!!    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 7

    Day 07 - Relax, Dont Do It

    April 21, 2022 in France ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Lazy days and Sundays! Well this morning was a lazy day despite it being a Thursday. Late getting up and time spent chatting over breakfast and numerous cups of tea and coffee passed a couple of hours.
    Teresa and the Hollywoods decided they fancied a walk, they plumped for a waddle to Laplume which is the nearest village to Roque. Having a rough idea how far it was I was ok with the walk there, but didn’t fancy the walk back afterwards. So I kindly offered to pass on the walk and take the car to Laplume in order to drive them home.
    Plan hatched and agreed the foot soldiers departed just after lunch. I followed about twenty minutes later, with some chores to do at the supermarché and the bank and a planned wait at the cafe.
    I passed the trio on the main road to Laplume, they having made more ground than I had thought they would. I gave them a friendly yell from the window as I passed and continued to Laplume. As I rounded the bend I saw and remembered the road ahead which stretch in a straight line as far as you could see. After giggling to myself I had a little sing to myself of a certain Talking Heads track . . . We’re on the road to nowhere, come on inside . . .
    After a whizz around the supermarché, and unsuccessful stop at the bank ATM I went to secure a seat at a cafe.
    Laplume is not the most busiest of towns on a good day, but early afternoon on a Thursday is particularly bad. Not a thing was open.
    I re-sited to the supermarché car park and sat waiting for the trio who to be fair were quickly trotting through the car park towards me.
    My three flagging passengers were pleased to see me and be driven to Lamontjoie, the next village south from Laplume.
    We quickly found a cafe which to Mr Hollywood’s amusement, had a name and beer brand that were able to play Double Entendre . . . ‘Coq Hardi’ and ‘La Table De La Bastide’.
    The cafe was not at all as we had expected, being very smart and upmarket - almost a fine dining experience with classical piano music. The food looked particularly good and would be well worth another visit on another day.
    On returning to Roque, the sun had made an appearance and so we fired up the BBQ again and spent the afternoon eating and drinking in the warmth of the day.
    We were visited briefly by Monique and Michel together with their grand-daughter, on their arrival home from a few days away.
    The evening continued very much the same before we retired, slightly sad that tomorrow was our last full day.    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 8

    Day 08 - The End Is Upon Us

    April 22, 2022 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Well - last full day today, the week has flown by.
    Started the morning with brekkie and a natter about the week, what to do today and times for tomorrows departure from Roqué and flights etc etc.
    At midday we loaded into the car for one last drive out having decided to re visit Nérac for the afternoon.
    Heading out west on our well trodden and beloved D15 and then onwards westbound on the D656 we pulled into Nérac. We managed to park in our now usual spot and then wandered the streets for a few hours, stopping occasionally for drinks (combined with people watching) ice creams and retail therapy for Teresa Munch and Mary.
    We wandered down through the old town and took time out to visit and enter the church - Église Saint-Nicolas de Nérac, built i. 1749 and which is stunning inside. We were the only visitors when we entered - only the silence seemed loud.
    We continued down to the river - the Petite Baise, before making our way back to the car.
    We drove the return route back to Roqué via Laplume for some last night essentials - milk!!
    Another evening was spent sitting in the late sunshine, over eating and drinking the last of the wine reserves.
    Late coffees and that was it - time to hit the pillows so we are up bright and breezy tomorrow to pack and vacate by 10am.
    Footnote: Teresa decided she had important news to impart to me at 3am - I love waking that early for news. So much so I then don’t sleep for the remainder of the evening . . . So much for a good nights sleep 😵‍💫    Read more

  • France Exploration 15-23.04.22
    Day 9

    Day 09 - Le Départ

    April 23, 2022 in France ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    So up at 7.30am and bags packed - not quite as neatly as on the outward leg it has to be said.
    Breakfast and tea, rubbish to the bins and rooms checked for anything left behind. Bags into the boot . . . then out again when some late finds were located that needed popping in one of the bags - then back in again.
    A visit from Monique and Michel to check we hadn’t destroyed the place, followed by some lengthy goodbyes. Then we were off!!
    We decided to take the lengthy route to the airport to kill some time and so pushed on via the D15 and D931 to Agen, We skirted the outskirts of Agen before taking the D813 with the intention on staying on this through and all the way to Toulouse. We stuck rigidly to the D813 keeping the river Garonne to our offside. For the first since Tuesday we had rain all the way. When we reached Castelsarrasin we decided to grab a coffee and had to run from the car to avoid the worst of the downpour.
    After coffee we continued on the D813 until we reached Grisolles. We then headed south west towards Toulouse on the D49 and D17 and on route took in the sights of Granade, the location of our first nights meal.
    Passing through Granade we took the Rue de Toulouse in to the fringe of the airport.
    As we were still early we took in a couple of shops in a nearby shopping mall before finally making our way to the airport and the car rentals.
    Car returned without issue we entered the airport and started our fairly lengthy wait for the flight.
    To keep me occupied I was told by Teresa that Mr H and Munch had spotted an unattended bag and some shoes outside the mens toilet, which apparently had been there for some time.
    On checking the area of the bag and spotting a number of still full wine bottles I guessed what awaited - and sure enough, on opening a closed, but not locked mens cubicle, I was almost overcome with alcohol fumes. Within, was an awake but collapsed, shabbily dressed man, in a state of part undress, slumped against the cubicle wall but half balanced on the khazi, mumbling French to me.
    Not wanting to try and get him out myself and risk wearing any of the wine he had consumed, I went and sought help. Two minutes later French medical staff attended and whisked the guy away, together with his bottles of unconsumed red.
    Anyhow - excitement over we eventually checked in and made our way un-eventfully through security to await our flight.
    I noted on my phone whilst waiting that Man Utd had suffered another poor result, which did make me giggle but that quickly stopped when I realised my lot were as likely a poor result tomorrow.
    Anyhow that’s us - sitting waiting at the gate for a plane.
    Will Fury have won by the time we land, will Putin have fired nukes?
    Not looking forward to the days ahead once back in the UK.    Read more

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