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France and England 2024
  • Elizabeth Cameron
  • Elizabeth Cameron

France and England 2024

A 49-day adventure by Elizabeth Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 23, 2024
    Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler
    1

    Day 1

    May 24, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We made it!
    BA 16 via Singapore to Heathrow and on to Paris. A long flight but I got some sleep using my fabulous travel pillow.
    Our apartment A801 22 ave Pierre Lefaucheux Boulogne Billancourt overlooks the Seine and Parc de Billancourt. There is a football field, exercise area and lots of green with paths.
    We had a well earned Italian lunch next door then went for a walk. The aim was to find the Metro and we discovered you can't use your credit card and weekly tickets start on a Monday!!
    The sun has been out all day and just like home, it has got warmer as the afternoon went on. Writing this on the verandah listening to the children in the park.
    Early bed time for everyone tonight.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 2

    May 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Woke after a good night sleep to a cool morning and the sun shining. In the Parc de Billancourt across the road, Saturday soccer was in full swing just like at home. After a slow start, we walked into Boulogne Billacourt for a coffee and look around. We sat outside in the sun with the locals and their dogs enjoying P'tite Faim, a coffee, croissant and a fresh orange juice.
    At 2pm we caught an Uber to meet Bill O'Reagan for lunch at Cafe du Commerce, a favourite of his and Mary's and very popular with the locals. The streets were busy, shops open and the cafes full of people. On the way we saw the Eiffel Tower, our first real glimpse of Paris!!
    Lunch was great fun, lots of laughs, chatter and stories. The food was amazing as was the wine Bill chose. The desserts were incredible, especially mine. The waiters brought it out last with a sparkler and sang 'Bonne Anniversaire' which was a lovely surprise. It was great to see Bill in Paris. He was so at home here, smiling, chatting to the waiters and enjoying himself. 3 hours later we left lunch and wandered Rue du Commerce while I bought a black pair of jeans. Hugs all round and we went home.
    The other excitement for the day was Fred Stolle messaging us with Wimbledon tickets for Wednesday of the first week!!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler
    Birthday card fron
    Birthday breakfast1Checking out Roland Garros for later in the weekBirthday card from Chris and Janet11

    Day 3 Celebrating my birthday

    May 26, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Woke to lots of lovely messages from home for my birthday and a sweet card from Janet and Chris. Another cool start to the day with glimpses of sunshine.
    We decided to walk to Roland Garros and see how far it was from our apartment. Breakfast was first stop at a cafe with outdoor seating. Shame about the smokers and vapers. Despite this we enjoyed our platters of orange juice, coffee, croissant and a piece of baguette with jam. At the same time we marvelled at the traffic and how the roundabout was negotiated by cars, bikes, trucks and pedestrians at once.
    Continuing down rue Victor Hugo we made it to Roland Garros. Tight security with areas cordoned off and long lines to get in. Discovered we need to be around the other side for our night ticket entry but our side for our day ticket.
    Heading home we stopped for a Panochet, shandy at home. Lunch and started watching the tennis on TV.
    Snoozes all round in readiness for the Moulin Rouge.
    On approach the outside was just how I remembered it from years ago. Sadly the windmill is not there. The path into the Moulin Rouge was lined with beautiful mosaic tiles showing the iconic windmill. Our table was close to the front and shared with another a group of Australians!! Champagne flowed as the cabaret style band played dinner music and sung. We had a yummy 3 course dinner, starting with prawns, then salmon with a red rice risotto and dessert was a mandarin jasmin tea ganache with crunchy rhubarb and almond crumble.
    The show went for 1.5 hours and was incredible. The combination of dancing and circus acts were amazing as was the iconic Can Can. It lived up to expectation and more. The costumes, music, choreography and dancing was entertaining and well performed. Lots of smiles, thrusting, gyrating and energetic dancing right up close and personal. To quote Chris, 'not a pimple in sight'!! Oh to be so fit and flexible.
    The end of a great day of birthday celebrations.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 4

    May 27, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After a late night from Moulin Rouge, we had a quiet morning washing and planning our next few days, in particular how to get to Monet's garden in Giverny tomorrow!
    Cooler today and overcast. The cranes across the road were up and running today as were the military helicopters doing low altitude exercises along the Seine.
    The need for a good coffee finally got us moving. We walked in a different direction today along the Seine. A totally different part of Paris. With supplies from Carrefours, the local supermarket and a bottle of gin we went to find lunch. The rain had started so we stopped at the first restaurant we saw. Yummy food and great coffee.
    With happy tummies and the rain stopped, we headed home to watch Rafael Nadal play in potentially his last match at Roland Garros. He played well but Zverev was the better player and beat him in 3 sets. Both were very gracious in their post match interviews. We witnessed the end of an era!!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler
    1

    Day 5 Monet's house and garden

    May 28, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Early start this morning as Monet's garden and house is in Giverny which is 74km west of Paris. Sadly it was drizzling so not looking promising but fingers crossed. After an uber to Saint Lazare station, driving past the Arc de Triomphe on the way, we caught the TER to Vernon Giverny an hour away.
    From the carpark, it was an easy walk to the gardens past souvenir shops and cafes. Once inside the gardens, we could smell the roses and perfume from the other flowers in bloom. We headed straight to the Lily pond! Along the way the flowers were out and everything was very green as it had been raining. Luckily it stopped for us to walk around! The colours were amazing and the gardens just how I had imagined. Many many photos of beautiful flowers later, we stood on 'the bridge' posing with all the other tourists. Meandering along another path we came to Monet's house. Again, magnificent greenery and colour with raindrops still on the petals and leaves. The blue tiles in the kitchen were stunning as were the copper pots hanging up. The gift shop called followed by more of the gardens as we walked back to the shuttle for the station and train back to Paris.
    Yummy Italian dinner next door for 4 weary travellers!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 6

    May 29, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Woke late to a wet and cold day. We had a quiet morning in the unit after our long day yesterday.
    Yummy panini and coffee at a Boulangerie around the corner, some grocery shopping and home. Still raining with a few breaks and 14 degrees!!
    Mid afternoon we walked to Billancourt, our closest Metro, bought a pack of 10 tickets (carnet), worked out how to access the gates and the rest was easy. Sadly the rain did not stop so walking along the Champs Elysees was not quite as spectacular as I had hoped. Nevertherless we persevered up towards the Arc de Triomphe, taking photos in the middle of the road and admiring the designer label shops. The Gucci shop must be used to the rain because all the beautiful shopping bags had plastic covers specifically made to fit the bags!!
    Hot chocolates and coffee along the Champs Elysees were a must and we warmed up and dried off! From here we continued down towards Place de la Concorde then turned right to the Seine over Pont Alexandre III. This bridge is going to be part of the 2024 Paris Olympics at the end of July as there was a grand stand already set up and only pedestrians were allowed over it. As it was still raining we found a pop up bar on the Seine and had glass of bubbles or 2! Walked over 10000 steps so we had earned our bubbles not that we needed an excuse!!
    Our sunset dinner cruise started at 9pm....we were starving...3 course dinner which was lovely as we cruised past the Musee d'Orsay and Notre Dame. My first time seeing it after the fire. We were hoping to have a look through but it isn't opening until December. The boat turned around and we headed to the Eiffel tower. It was lit up and looked amazing. Many many photos were taken and you can see the rain drops on the camera lens! Lots of fun and laughs.
    Another late night as we caught the Metro home and walked the streets to our apartment....130am is way past my bedtime!!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler
    11

    Day 7 Roland Garros

    May 30, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    After a 130am bed time we had a lazy start to the day. The sun kinda came out and then it rained again. All matches on the outside courts were on hold as a result. 13 degrees and cold today with Roland Garros suggesting we dress warmly for the night session!!
    With a break in the weather we headed out for a coffee. Found a lovely cafe with outdoor seating and enjoyed a Cafe Gourmand. Espresso and 4 different sweet treats. They were fruit salad, chocolate mousse, pink panna cotta in gorgeous little pots and 2 Madeleines on the side. On the way home we bought paninis and wraps for dinner at the tennis tonight.
    Dressed in warm clothes and wet weather gear in the bag, we headed to RG by Uber. Gates opened at 630pm for the night session. Queues were already forming at 545pm when we arrived having already been through a bag check. 615pm they let us in which was exciting. We headed straight to the merchandise shop then saw that Alex DeMinaur was playing on court 6 so headed there instead! We were not the only Aussies cheering! Into the 2nd set it poured and poured....15mins later all over and the sun came out even though it was 730pm. Fascinating watching the process of mopping up the water, taking off the covers and readying the court for play. De Minaur won in 3 which was exciting. Court Philippe-Chatrier was our next stop to see Gael Monfils play Lorenzo Musetti. Our seats were considered restricted viewing but we were happy with the view of the court. Much better than our seats at the US Open! 3 sets and Musetti had won even with the very one sided crowd. Monfils was out played. Fun to have been in centre court and experience the vastness, noise and energy. All over by 11pm so we hit Le Grande Boutique to do our shopping. 2 storeys of merchandise...overwhelming! However, I did manage to buy a cap, keyring, towel and tshirt!!! Peter bought a cap.
    Uber home tired but happy and it had stopped raining!!!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 8 Sacre Coeur and Montmarte

    May 31, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Another very slow morning after getting home late from Roland Garros. I think we were all exhausted after a few busy days and especially the nights. Woke to clouds and no rain...exciting.
    Metro 9 from Billancourt to Saint Augustin then Metro 12 to Abesses which is the closest station to Montmarte. Enjoyed a yummy Italian lunch and coffee before sightseeing. We continued down the road following the masses towards the funricular up to Sacre Coeur. Our first real experience being with all the tourists in narrow streets and lots of tourist shops! Chris climbed the stairs to Sacre Coeur while Janet, Peter and I caught the furnicular. Then the rain came again!! Even so, we enjoyed walking around Sacre Ceour and listening to the bells toll. Umbrellas up and battling the crowds, we wandered through Montmarte and saw the painters doing portraits and caricatores. Many cafes and restaurants all around the outside with people taking refuge from the rain. We headed down side streets admiring the houses before heading back down. The rain had slowed so we walked down through the park in front of Sacre Coeur. At the bottom was the carousel that the children had gone on in 2008!! We settled into a cafe for a well earned Aperol while watching the passing crowds and looking up at Sacre Coeur...as you do!!
    Walked back to the station but got distracted. Firstly for the most amazing ice cream, then Pylones, a shop that is full of colour and wonderful things! Bought a gorgeous scarf in bright pinks and blues. Then we found the 'Paris Duck Shop'!!! In we went...bought Stephen a rubik cube duck...couldn't resist!
    Finally made it to the train and home via the supermarket for more cheese, crackers and chips! Gin and tonics all round with bubbles to follow!!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 9 Notre Dame

    June 1, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Woke to no rain just overcast and 13 degrees. Umbrellas packed just in case!!
    Metro 9 to Strasbourg Saint Denis then Metro 4 to Cite. Cite is on the island with Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. 2 minute walk to Notre Dame. Hoarding in front but there is a viewing platform. Still as breathtaking as ever just not how I remembered it!! Great to see and take photos though. Sadly we didn't get to go in as it doesn't reopen until December. Crossed the river into the St Germain area for lunch. Omelettes all round with coffee and yummy crumble for dessert. Then it started raining. We had been so lucky until now.
    Luxembourg gardens was next stop despite the rain. Everything was very green and some flowers were still in bloom. It was nice to see the pond with the ducks swimming not skating on the ice as they were in December 2008 when we were here with the children. Also seeing the statues as they were not boarded up. The rain was relentess as we walked towards Pont Neuf through more narrow streets, past many quaint shops interspersed with tourist ones. The Seine was flowing and we could see Notre Dame from Pont Neuf. Metro 7 was in our sights so we headed home. With more tonic, cheese and chips in the bag, we sat and watched Zverev battle it out with Griekspoor from the
    Netherlands. After a tight 5 set match with a 10 point tiebreak Zverev won 10-3.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 10 Jardins des Plantes and beyond

    June 2, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Overcast and no rain this morning, just cold and windy.
    Metro 9 then 10 to Jardins des Plantes. We emerged from the train up yet more stairs to signs pointing us in the direction we wanted. The gates to the gardens were very impressive. Wandering through was a little disappointing as the garden beds were quite overgrown and looked unkempt. However, the main area was a bit better. Sadly many of the flowers were no longer in bloom or yet to bloom. It was lovely to be outside, away from the madding crowds and no rain. We enjoyed the gardens and took many photos!!
    With lunch on our minds we left the gardens and crossed over the road to the Seine where we saw some homeless being questioned by the police. We walked along the river through Jardin Tino Rossi. This area is lovely and popular to joggers. It makes walking along the Seine easy and enjoyable. Up onto Quai de la Tournelle in search of lunch. We walked past many stalls along the Seine including a book stall selling 2nd hand books which were all beautifully covered in plastic! Across the Pont de la Tournelle to a yummy lunch and Rosé. the view of Notre Dame from the back was incredible and showed the scaffolding and cranes. Lunch was on Ile St Louis. Wandering the quaint streets after lunch we happened upon an amazing gelato shop! Sadly the handbag shop was closed though. These gelato were works of art and yummy.
    Heading home we crossed Pont St Louis and there was Notre Dame again! Walked along the side reading the story of the fire and restoration on the hoarding. Just amazing to see what they are doing. Right by the metro in Place Louis Lepine was a flower market called Marche aux Fleurs Queen Elizabeth II!! It was huge and had the most beautiful flowers in bloom. Janet was 'in her happy place'. Bought Sarah a gorgeous strawberry shaped dish. Coffee called along Ile d la Cite. From where we sat we could see Sainte Chapelle and what we thought was the Palais de Justice behind amazing gold gates. Home tired and planning our day at Roland Garros tomorrow.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 11 Roland Garros

    June 3, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    The sun was out but a cold start!
    Yummy P'tit Pain for breakfast near our place then an uber to Roland Garros.
    We headed straight to Court 7 as many Aussies were playing there during the day and we wanted a good position!!
    Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell were first up but were beaten in 2 sets.
    Next was Matt Ebden and Rohan Bopanna. Inspite their age, they played really well, showing skill and class. It was an entertaining match with amazing shots. They won in 3.
    While this was going on Alex deMinaur was playing Daniil Medvedev. I was watching it on the big screen behind our court!! He won in 4 sets, first time in a quarter final for an Aussie since Lleytton Hewitt!! Very exciting.
    Rinky Hijikata and partner followed on our court. They played 2 French guys with the crowd going berserk with every point. Sadly they lost in 3 sets. We had a great day watching the tennis in the sun and wandering the grounds.
    We decided to call it a day about 6pm and head home via somewhere for dinner. A bowl of pasta and cocktail went down very well.
    Now to pack for the Loire.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 12 Paris to Ligre

    June 4, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Blue sky and sun again today and a bit warmer.
    Quick coffee downstairs then an uber van to Gare Montparnasse for the TGV to Tours. P'tit Pain outside the station at a cafe before boarding. We left at 1224pm precisely!!
    At 135pm we got to Tours/ St Pierre des Corps station. After a big kerfuffle with car hire and Enterprise, 4 baguettes from Starbucks were needed to recover then we drove away in a BMW SUV from SIXT!! The roads were good and well signposted to Ligre in the Loire.
    La Closerie St Martin's is a small B and B with 5 rooms and a main courtyard for drinks and dinner run by Marcel and Katarina.
    A glass of rose and beers were enjoyed by all in the sun.
    4 course dinner with the 6 other guests was yummy and a lot of fun even if we couldn't speak German!! Lovely walk through the fields after dinner. So quiet and peaceful after Paris.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 13 Chateau Ambois and Clos Luce

    June 5, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Our first day in the Loire started with brekky being served by our hosts...a lovely treat! All feeling a bit weary after our big travel day yesterday.
    With the sun shining, we headed to Chateau Ambois with Chris behind the wheel and me navigating...what could possibly go wrong!? Nothing fortunately. It took over an hour so coffee was our first stop in the village centre. Lots of cafes, restaurants and tourist shops all with a great view of the chateau. Once through the entrance, we were in the gardens which were amazing. As were the views of the valley and Ambois. The chateau itself was beautiful inside and its history well documented. We wandered through the gardens admiring the flowers in bloom and the beautiful topiary up on the hill overlooking the chateau.
    Hunger got the better of us so down we went for Gallettes with egg, ham, salmon and mushrooms washed down with a Panochet.
    A 15min walk took us to Clos Luce where Leonardo DaVinci did his work. Needless to say, there were a few school groups here all with workbooks!! Inside are copies of some of his paintings, his studio, music room and bedroom. The gardens are beautiful and tell their own story. The Jardin de Leonard is a special area created around a body of water with water lillies and a wooden bridge.
    We headed home about 430pm tired but happy. Chris is getting the hang of driving on the other side of the road and loving the BMW!!
    Another yummy 4 course meal was served but inside tonight as it was a bit cooler. Delicious white asparagus quiche was for entree, green ones are hard to find here!
    930pm and still light on the terrace so we adjourned to swap photos, write diaries and of course 'penguin' for today!!! Not to mention cheer on Alex deMinaur in his first ever quarter final in a grand slam!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 14 Chinon

    June 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Today we chose to stay local.
    The sun shone, hats and sunscreen were needed.
    We drive to Chinon, the closest town to Ligré where we are staying. It was market day so we parked up the hill behind the fortress. Easy walk down to the town or there is a free elevator! Many cafes and restaurants as well as post office, banks etc. La Vienne flows past and was lovely to walk along. The markets were fun but similar to home.
    Lunch in the main square then a leisurely meander past some beautiful flowers back up to the car.
    Restful afternoon before we walked about 30mins to an outdoor 'pop up' summer drinks and food. Lots of tables and chairs under the trees. Dinner was pocket bread with fillings or charcuterie board. Lots of fun and not on the tourist trail.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 15 Chenonceau

    June 7, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Another glorious morning!
    Chenonceau was the destination, about 1 hr 20mins away. We parked in the carpark and walked the 15mins to the chateau entrance. What an amazing sight! Walking up the path towards the chateau was breathtaking, with manicured gardens on either side and the river Cher flowing past. The inside was amazing, 'lots of paintings, tapestries and gorgeous flower arrangements' to quote Chris! The view of the gardens and river from the 2nd floor were incredible and from both sides of the chateau.
    Coffee and cake break then into the gardens. They were beyond words. We wandered around, yet again taking way too many photos both of the chateau, the gardens and each other. The reflection of the chateau off the river Cher was stunning.
    From here we ventured to Valencay about 50mins SW to find the Musee de l'automobile, the automotive treasure of Valencay. 7euro later Chris and Peter went to explore while Janet and I found a quiet park in the shade and tried to cull our photos from today!!
    A long drive home for Chris but he did well and has mastered driving on the wrong side of the road.
    Bubbles in the cellar for apperitif which was fun then dinner on the terrace as there was no wind. An amazing duck salad to start followed by cod and salmon bake and the most delicious chocolate mousse. We also found the blog from La Closerie from 2013 with some of their amazing recipes already translated into English.
    After dinner we chatted on the terrace until the sunset at 10pm!!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 16 Villandry and Azay la Rideau

    June 8, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Enjoyed a late breakfast before heading to Chateau Villandry about 40mins away. Overcast but still 23 degrees and a great temperature to be outside. The gardens at this chateau look breathtaking in the brochures and didn't disappoint. There were mazes, herb and produce areas and the most amazing roses. Photos don't do it justice but we still managed to take way too many!! The chateau inside was a little disappointing as it felt rundown and not as welcoming as the others we had seen. It is worth going to just wander through the vast gardens and enjoy the different perfumes and variety of plants. Also to marvel at the designs of the beds and the different water features.
    A well earned lunch in Villandry before heading 15mins up the road to Azay La Rideau. The chateau is very different to the others and is undergoing resoration in parts which we were allowed to walk through. Interesting to see the roof and what that involves. The other parts of the chateau had been restored and were very interesting and well presented.
    This is our last day in the Loire. We have been pleasantly surprised at the lack of crowds at the chateaus and the ease of getting around.
    Another delicious 4 course dinner with apperitifs in the wine cellar. Katarina and Marcel know how to entertain and cook amazing food. And are happy to share their recipes.
    Time to pack, 'penguin' and set the alarm for our 6am start tomorrow !!    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler
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    Day 17 Ligré to Lectoure

    June 9, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Early start today for our 907am TGV from St Pierre des Corps to Bordeaux. Easy drive being a Sunday morning. Key drop at SIXT then more Starbucks as it was the only thing open at 815am!!
    Comfy and easy train ride reaching 300km/hr. Quick platform change in Bordeaux for the TGV to Agen. Another good train trip. 1230pm we picked up the car via a locked box and drove to Lectoure. Quiet country roads and pretty countryside.
    The drive through Lectoure was lovely, very narrow streets with cobblestones.
    Our air bnb is in a narrow street with one bedroom on the ground floor, living the next floor and another bedroom on the 3rd floor...lots of narrow, steep stairs!!
    Time for a walk through town. Chris found us a panache...grande so we sat and enjoyed. It was huge and in glasses that needed 2 hands!! Peter's cold has got worse so he went home to sleep. Further down the road we found a bar showing the men's tennis final so we lounged on the couch with a gin and tonic and watched Zverev and Alcaraz fight it out!! Pizzas were served at 7pm and the match ended about 8pm with Alcaraz winning in 5 sets.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 18 Lectoure

    June 10, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    After a big day travelling yesterday and a busy few weeks we slept in today. Peter is feeling a bit better but still very coldy, croaky voice and no energy. Warm day with a few clouds.
    In search of breakfast we went out only to find almost everything is shut on a Monday as well as Sunday!! Nice coffee at the bar from last night then we found a very small supermarket open...bought some supplies, detoured to the pharmacy and then home for breakfast. We saw many people and/or pilgrims walking through Lectoure carrying only a daypack and their walking poles today. Whilst Peter went back to bed, we went in search of the bigger supermarket, a 20min walk away. Bought enough supplies for the week and traipsed home via Le Bastion, a restaurant looking west over beautiful countryside. We enjoyed a panachet under an umbrella marvelling at where we are and the view.
    Late lunch, laundry and a snooze.
    Chris and Janet went and saw Teen this afternoon while Peter and I snoozed. At 7pm when the restaurants opened for dinner, we headed back to La Bastion for pizza and bruschetta whilst taking in the view again.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler
    1

    Day 19 Condom and La Romieu

    June 11, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Cooler day today and overcast. More shops open today but surprised at how many are still shut.
    Peter feeling a little better so we ventured up the road for a pastry and coffee. Then headed to Condom about 20mins away, just because we had to!! Again, very surprised at how many shops were not open. Outside the cathedral were statues of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers. The stained glass windows inside were beautiful. We walked around the town ducking under cover when the rain came looking for tourist shops to buy souvenirs. Lunch at Le Balcon called as it was pouring. Glass of Rosé, steak and chips with pepper sauce and clafoutis aux griotte (sour cherry) later, we found the Jardin des Roses which is in the grounds of the town hall. Sadly the roses were coming to an end but the colours of those in bloom were stunning.
    On the way home we stopped at La Romieu, a small town with an impressive abbey and known for its cats. Whilst photographing the abbey, we saw a cat on the lawn just to prove the point! All this walking called for a panachet and coke for Peter and Chris.
    Home to collate photos, 'do penguin', diary for Janet and put up our feet.
    Quiet evening at home.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 20 Fleurance and Auch

    June 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Breakfast at home after a lovely chat with Sarah before she heads to Bali. We drove south from Lectoure to Fleurance, about 20 mins away. passing a McDonalds, Aldi and Carrefours supermarket which felt quite out of place after the historic towns we have been visiting!!
    The historic part of Fleurance was small with the town hall under major renovation but some shops open as were a few cafes. Coffee and a lemon curd muffin were enjoyed before we wandered the streets. Janet and I found a Paris 2024 olympic tshirt and had fun trying them on. I bought one!!
    We continued south with a detour to Roquefort, what I assumed was home of that cheese. How wrong can one be?? Blink and you miss the town but we did take a scenic route onto Auch instead of the main road! Narrow country roads and beautiful countryside.
    The city of Auch, built around a medieval heart and the last great cathedral (16th century) erected on a promontory, extends on either side of the Gers, a tributary of the Garonne. After parking we walked towards the Cathedrale Sainte Marie d'Auch. The entrance was very impressive as were some of the stained glass windows. 1230pm the cathedral closed so we went in search of lunch through lovely laneways and passing some quirky shops. Stumbled upon a Spanish restaurant with a friendly owner. Very nice lunch and Rosé sitting outside. After lunch we followed a walking track through Auch, past the statue of d'Artagnan, the 4th musketeer along the upper road. There were a few flights of very steep narrow stairs down to the river. In years gone by the soldiers would stand at the top and shot the enemy coming up as they were only able to come up one at a time and very slowly.
    The weather started off cool but by lunch time was 24 degrees with the sun trying to come out. Another great day out.
    Quiet eveinng at home.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 21 Valence Sur Baise....mmm

    June 13, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Woke to blue sky and sunshine with a potential of 24 degrees!! Tshirts and no puffer jackets today!
    With no real plans for the day we headed to Valence sur Baise about 20mins west just below Condom. As we drove in, the 'route barre' sign was up as they were setting up for a fair over the weekend!! Nothing was open except one cafe. Nice coffee then a walk around. Some interesting buildings and structures.
    Hunger got the better of us so we headed back to Condom for lunch. A different looking town with the sun out. We had a lovely 3 course lunch or Plat du Jour with a glass of Rosé....and not a puffer jacket in sight!! The coffee mousse dessert with 'snow' was amazing and so decadent. It was the placemats that caught our attention. On our side the pictures looked so real. We all went to pick up a piece of fruit!! Then Peter noticed the under side....pictures of penguins!!! Janet and I amused ourselves very happily doing the quizzes and spotting the differences between the penguins!!
    More photos of the 4 musketeers in front of the town hall...of the 4 musketeers!!! Janet's words!
    Then I spotted a watch shop, went in to get a new battery for my watch, no luck so bought a new one...as you do! Followed by the florist for a pot plant for Teen to celebrate her late mother's birthday tomorrow.
    In the late afternoon we walked downhill to Teen's place to have a drink with her father who had just flown in from Sydney. Proseco, chips and lots of laughs in the garden with Teen's children coming in and out.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 22 Lectoure

    June 14, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    A quiet day in Lectoure planned.
    Breakfast at home before heading up the road to meet Teen and Barry at the Sports bar for a coffee and walk through the markets which are on every Friday. The whole main road had stalls and all the shops were open too. Similar to home but a lot more produce. The fruit and vegetables looked beautiful and fresh. Did note the apricots were from Spain. Tomatoes and strawberries are local and picked by north Africans here for work. Amazing zucchini flowers and beans.
    A lovely lunch at the Bellevue restaurant which had a magnificent view over the valley and in the distance we could just see the Pyrenees mountain range. We enjoyed our Aperol spritzes and lunch under the umbrellas in the garden. A peace of heaven and so quiet.
    Chris got picked up by Barry and Teen to go to the hardware shop for mower parts, the rest of us came home for a snooze.
    The rain came at 6pm so we drove to Teen's. All the children and Barry were there as it was a celebration for Meredith's birthday. Yummy dinner made by Milly the eldest and Teen with dessert by the twins.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 23 Lectoure

    June 15, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    After going to sleep with the rain pelting down it was nice to wake to only clouds. A cooler day today with glimpses of sun hopefully.
    Last breakfast in France so we went to the boulangerie for petit dejeuner...juice, coffee, croissant and baguette with jam and butter all enjoyed whilst sitting outside on the footpath....just like at Pierre's!! With puffer jackets off, the sun out and hats on we headed down the main street looking into shops that were open for the first time since we had been here. There were many antique shops, a funeral parlour, hairdressers, another hotel and restaurant as well as the thermal spa. 'La Village', the old hospital was next stop. As you entered all you could see was bric a brac....everywhere. From lawn mowers to linen to a room full of old keys, lots of furniture.....wondering how much actually gets sold....
    Lunch was at the other end of town overlooking the valley at La Bastion. A glass of Rosé, salade chevre chaud and warm fruit crumble whilst enjoying what might be our last blue sky and sun for a while!! UK tomorrow and meant to be the coldest and wettest summer so far!!
    Snoozy afternoon and evening, packing, tidying up and finishing all the food in the fridge.    Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 24 Lectoure to Grasmere UK

    June 16, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Woke to sun but sadly we were leaving. Packed and ready to leave just after 8am as planned even though we knew we would probably be very early at Toulouse airport. It did give us time to pick up petrol. The drive to the aiport was through more beautiful countryside with small strips of roads lined with Plane trees. Dropped the car at Europcar in the airport and ventured inside. When Easyjet opened we did our bag drop, security...no continuty between countries, then sat to enjoy a well earned coffee and pain raisin. 1 hr flight to Orly, collected our luggage and transferred to International for our flight to Manchester after negotiating the airport!! Another 1 hr flight landing at 550pm. Shuttle bus to the a central car rental place. SEAT station wagon this time with heaps of boot space. 1 hr 20min drive to Grasmere. The last bit along the lake which was lovely. 945pm arrived at the Bridge Hotel and was greeted with smiles and warmth. A very long day but looking forward to exploring in the days ahead and the home cooked breakfast in the morning!!Read more

  • Elizabeth CameronFrance and England 2024Traveler

    Day 25 Grasmere

    June 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Woke to overcast and light drizzle but a beautiful outlook from our window. By breakfast the sun was out and the doors of the conservatory were all open. Cooked breakfast from the chef was a treat as well as a full continental breakfast!! Needless to say, we all enjoyed ourselves!! Sitting in the sun whiling away the morning, we planned the next few days, well our dinners anyway!!
    Grasmere is a lot bigger and diverse than I expected and more touristy. We had a great walk around town, watched the school children in the river doing science experiments, listened to the lambs bleeting, marvelled at how green and fresh the countryside looked and enjoyed looking in the shops. Coffee break at the Tea House with the stream flowing then a visit to William Wordsworth's grave. Home for scones, jam and clotted cream and more planning for the week ahead. This was accompanied by an amazing gin and tonic.
    We had dinner at the Grasmere brewery pub called Good Sport sitting outside in the evening sun. Great way to end our day wandering around Grasmere.    Read more

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