30th June - Port Maubert

Summer has been slow and steady to appear this year, giving us tasters here and then and then vanishing again.  I am hopeful to say that the weather seems settled and in the mid 20's daily.  I actually made it into the pool for the first time last week - when it hit 33 degrees - and the water was warm and soothing after a hot day replacing lamps on the back of our house.

Port Maubert is a port (as the name suggests!) about 5 minutes drive from us.  I have to confess I have often driven that way by accident and thought how pretty it was but nothing more.  More recently, however, its charm has captured me.  It started when we discovered it was a great place to swim the dogs; providing the fishermen aren't there.  We then started walking the dogs to dry them off after their swim.  There is actually a 10km walk if you are in the mood for some exercise but we prefer a 30 minute stroll through the reeds to the edge of the estuary.  After reaching a view point with an estuary map - the pathway snakes along hiding what is around the next corner.  When you do finally reach the estuary it is at first, we thought, a little unnerving as the great expanse of water is at the same height as the land.  Then it is intriguing because it makes a noise akin to a boiling pan.  Definitely worth a gentle stroll one day or evening.  Once you have alighted yourselves of a few pounds, there are two places to eat.  One is a lovely restaurant with a great menu of the day.  They are helpful too - if you don't like what is on the day menu they are likely to offer you an alternative like a steak.  The other place is an understated "tent" with plastic table and chairs outside - where I am assured you can get great mussels and if the kids are keen - burgers.  I will certainly be trying it now it has been recommended to me - and a more beautiful setting it is hard to find.

19th June - Fete's in Charente Maritime

There was a local village fete on today.  I have to confess we saw it advertised but didn't really think too much of it.  However, whilst out cycling with my son at lunchtime one of our neighbours stopped us and asked us if we were going.  mmmmmm........perhaps we should go and make some effort - how else are we going to integrate into the community - I thought.

We arrived to a car park with literally hundreds of cars.  It was quite unbelievable.  This tiny little village was holding a real spectacle.  There was a central ring that had teams from each of the local villages doing what I can only describe as something close to Its A Knockout to some really upbeat and contemporary music.  Each village also had its own stall with a game to play for children and adults alike or local photos to buy.  Sometimes they were, I have to be honest, a little cringe worthy such as Connect4 was one option, but most were more traditional and fun.  There were eateries galore ranging from traditional fayre to sausage and chips.  Artisan stalls surrounded the central ring selling jewellery, local honey, local oysters and more and a brocante (boot sale) spread down the road for a good 15 minutes walk.  Those that were staying for the evening were to enjoy local music and paella with fireworks to finish.  I suspect some cordial fun will be had.

Perhaps it might be nice to pop into one of these fetes if you see one signed whilst on holiday here.  They can be quite a surprise.

4th June - Pool Renovations

What an exciting week.  The pool renovations have been completed and it is looking absolutely beautiful.  The water is the most enticing and beautiful colour blue and we can't wait to get in.

Usually, for most of the year, we keep half of our garden grass cut short and the other half is laid to meadow.  There must be 20 packets of wild flower seeds scattered throughout the meadow grass but still not much success so far.  I shall keep persevering though. 

Anyway, today the farmer came to cut the rest of the grass.  A great deal - he cuts it annually and in return takes it away for hay; After bringing in the washing I realised I had a moment to pause so I sat in the sun chair for 5 minutes and what a treat I got.  I Red Kite decided the cut grass was the perfect hunting ground and I had 5 minutes watching him soar, glide, land and take back off.  Which reminds me.....the Redstarts have flown their nest - I was actually there when one of them took his maiden flight; I know what you are thinking I probably scared him into it.  Maybe.  Anyway mum raised four successful baby birds.  Brilliant!

There has been a lot of concerning news over the last couple of weeks regarding France but just so you know we are business as usual, there is plenty of fuel in this region and the sun has been a little shy but on its way.

30th May - Common Redstart

All four of the chicks in the barn are thriving.  I believe, having consulted the neighbours and the internet, that they are the Common Redstart.  I am amazed at how quickly they grow - now showing feathers on their tiny wings and sitting up looking almost grown up.  I am sure they will make their way from the nest within a week now.  Mum has been incredibly attentive and incredibly brave to park her nest in a spot next to our door.

Moss, our new dog, is feeling sorry for himself having had the snip on Friday.  I too am feeling sorry for myself as he is stir crazy without his daily run - but all for a good cause.

I see the fuel strikes have been on the UK news, whilst I believe their are some difficulties north of Nantes - getting fuel - it is by no means impossible; to be honest we don't appear to have been hit by the strikes and fuel continues to flow (fingers x)

I am currently working on opening up La Galerie - we have a very full summer this year and I am very excited at meeting our guests - old and new.

18th May - New Life

Last week I went into the barn and felt a flurry sweep past me.   I didn't really think too much about it - but there was a little bird perched up on the beams.  The next day the same thing happened but just as I was about to leave the barn, on a little shelf - right near the barn door, I saw a beautiful little nest.  I peered in carefully and there were three beautiful white eggs - they looked like the sugar candy coated eggs you buy at Easter.  Yesterday, I went back in and there were not 3 little baby birds but 4.  So young, that they were still wet, and mouths agape but no sound coming out.  This morning they were all fast asleep but a quick peek later (as I am in and out of the barn all day) and there they were all waiting for mum to bring home supper.

We have other new life in the house.  Two weeks ago my daughter found herself a new dog at the rescue centre.  He is a 16 month old border collie x spaniel - he looks like a collie except for his ears and eyes.  Anyway, he came to stay on a 15 day trial which was up today......and he is staying and has already made himself very welcome.  Whilst still trying to find his place in the pecking order, he is entertaining us no end and has given our older dog a new lease of life.  Seeing them playing tug of war on the lawn is a fantastic sight.  I have to say though, that his energy levels are incredibly high.  I had forgotten how much energy our older dog had when he was just a pup.  I think I have resolved the problem though.  This morning I dropped the children off at the bus stop early, drove along the road for 5 minutes until it was quiet lanes and let him out.  He ran home alongside the car at an unbelievable pace and was actually quiet and settled for 2 hours. 

1st May - Offers

I have posted some great offers for May and June 2016 on Chez Nous this week.  I hope you will take a look.

Everything is in abundance here.  The grass is to the top of my legs, with beautiful seed heads swishing in the wind; in greens and cerise.  The clover, buttercups and daisies are littering the road sides and I find myself drinking the sugar from the clover which is so sweet.  The trees are once again dressed in their vibrant colours and the Charolaise cows lounge in the meadow and watch the world go by.  The vines too are waking up, just starting to unfurl their leaves. 

This week is forecast to be hot - up to 26 degrees and I am looking forward to opening the doors on La Galerie and setting to work getting it ready for it's opening at the beginning of June.

10th April - La Palmyre & Ile de Re

We have been exploring some new places now that the weather is picking up.  Last week we went for lunch at La Palmyre with friends.  La Palmyre is a good 30-40 min drive from here.  It has a zoo, which is very well advertised and seems very popular.  Whilst I haven't visited it myself yet there is always a beautiful display of Flamingoes which can be seen from the roadside; and I spotted a giraffe looking my way the other day when we passed.  I wouldn't discount it as part of a larger day out at this lovely resort. The beach sits in a cove with golden soft sands followed by a lovely flat promenade.  It is ideal for cycling or roller blading and bicycle hire is readily available.  I noticed there was also a path for a road train in the summer.  There is a restaurant and café right next to the beach too.  It is a wonderful place to relax.  In the summer.......leave early to get there as the traffic near Royan and onwards gets busy - or perhaps leave it till later in the day if you want the more laid back approach.

Today we reached 21 degrees for the first time this year.  The perfect day to visit Ile de Re.  It is quite a long drive from here - as it is just off La Rochelle port but well worth it.  The island is much bigger than Ile D'Oleron with a lot more facilities.  Coming over the bridge onto the island we immediately saw kite surfers winding through the shallow waves, but it is a great place for other waters sports too from dinghy's to kayaks.  Here is some further information:

http://www.holidays-iledere.co.uk/ile-de-re-uk/a-paradise-watersports-lovers

A little windy to start with, we took a brisk walk along the first beach/promenade we came to.  A quick hop back into the car and we travelled further down the island where we came to a charming little port surrounded by cafes where we stopped for refreshment.  The difference in temperature was noticeable as we had driven into a more sheltered part of the island.  I had thought that that was probably the "place to be" but I was wrong.  A 10 minute drive further along the shoreline and we came to a larger, slightly more glamourous port with many more eateries and shops - which appeared to reside within a citadel.  It was beautiful and chic.  Perhaps we would return and spend a night there at some point as the atmosphere was warming and the thought of relaxing by the harbour on a warm evening was very inviting.  Cycle hire is the mode of transport on the island and I suspect in the height of summer it would be the far easier option to travel around.  If you want to try fresh seafood, oysters or buy some of the really lovely locally sourced salts this would be a place to go.  We will return to explore more at a later date.  A gem!

21st March - Coffee time

Both gites now have a Nescafe Dolce Gusto.  I am so thrilled that we have taken another step forward.  Coffee pods are readily available in the supermarkets.

We had our first BBQ of the year on Saturday; it was 18 degrees and sunny and we enjoyed our vine wood cooked steak with friends.  A great start to spring.

All of our neighbours are returning this week and we are really looking forward to meeting up for some lovely food, wine and conversation.  I am looking forward to hearing what they have all been up to over the winter and see what they think of the changes we have made.  Speaking of which I think I have finally mastered the art of plastering and currently I am working on the upstairs hallway.  It is great to be able to push forward with jobs around the house and get the house looking pretty for the summer.  I wonder what skill I will learn next.

3rd March - Spring Cleaning

It is time to start getting the gites ready for the spring/summer season.  Sooo exciting.  I walked into the garden early yesterday morning and couldn't contain my excitement when I felt the heat of the sun - I had to get the children out to feel it to so noticeable was the change.  It is looking like temperatures are starting to really lift at the end of this week.

Last week I spent the week painting the living area in La Petite Grange and it is looking all fresh and ready to go.  Having just painted the bedrooms before Christmas it is looking lovely.  All the curtains have been washed and the beams cleaned and painted.  I would like to make some changes in the kitchen before summer like the addition of a dishwasher but I will have to see how bookings go leading up to July.  Fingers x.

I am still busy cutting down trees.  There are so many!!  I have just been focusing around the gites and pool area and I'm almost finished.  The chainsaw has been taking a bit of a hammering but thankfully my neighbour bought a chainsaw sharpener which gets it back on it's feet in minutes.  I am looking forward to planting up some new flowers and shrubs.

Next week it is time to get into La Galerie and start spring cleaning there.  Time to wake up big bertha.  Fantastic.

24th February - spring migration

I am surprised it has been so long since my last blog.  It has been a very busy time - I have learnt to plaster; I would say to a point good enough for the first coat and mercifully my neighbour it turns out has a real talent for it - so he did the second.  So that has been my occupation for the last few weeks.

This week I managed to get out into the garden and spring is in the air.  Perhaps I am a little premature as I see in the forecast that there are some cold days ahead - possibly even a flurry or two of snow; but today I was working in the garden and it was warm.  The days are getting longer and the buds are on the trees.  I believe the birds know spring is coming.  I saw a flock of geese heading North this morning - flying in their wonderful V formation.  I have seen cranes making their nests and when I opened the door this morning there were a hundred little song birds singing in the trees.  I am sure they know.

We visited a new beach on Sunday.  Just between St Palais Sur Mer and La Palmyra it was a real find.  A paradise.  The most beautiful long, golden beach stretching as far as the eye could see.  The sea was tranquil and although just a few minutes from the savage coast - nothing like the 15 ft high waves the surfers pick up there.  It was just a 2 minute walk through a pine forest to be greeted by this beautiful sight.  I would thoroughly recommend it.

11th January - Ever changing plans

Being an ancient property, it can throw down problem, after problem, after problem.......or so it seems sometimes.  The last few weeks have seen a number of less serious problems that have required attention and taken my time away from other tasks I wish to complete over the winter.  However, a slightly larger situation has arisen due to a change in the weather.  Pre Christmas we really were very spoilt with long, dry sunny days.  However, since the New Year we are having seven seasons in a day.  For instance, today started with heavy winds and rain, which then turned to sleet and five minutes later thunder and lightening.  Within ten minutes it was beautiful sunshine.......and so it goes on.  The problem has been with the rain.  The rain has been torrential - not in the same way that the UK has suffered, but torrential never the less and this has impacted one of our ancient walls.  The plan was to repoint within 3 years, however, so serious does the situation look - alongside an incredibly leaky roof on (for want of a better word) the car port which is pouring water down the same said wall that immediate intervention is necessary.  So clearly, other plans will have to go on hold - so is the way of an old property. 

On the brighter side, I am really looking forward to seeing the wall cleaned and repointed and back to glory.  Also, the wind has today blown down a fence line that I was intending to rip out in a couple of weeks - so I have been saved that job.

So what work is being replaced by the repointing and new roof?  Well, perhaps not postponed - lets just say I went and bought myself a trowel and some plaster today and have been watching Youtube videos on technique - this will be an interesting experience.

29th December - Ice Skating in Rochefort

After our very Christmassy experience in Bordeaux, we decided to visit an ice rink over the holiday season.  There were a few to choose from, but as we hadn't been to Rochefort and had heard many good things about it off we headed.  The children were very excited.

It takes around 50 minutes and I would avoid the toll road which is 5.80 euros each way but only 5 minutes faster than the alternative routes.  There was free parking for 1000 cars in the centre and the main town centre was easily accessible.  The ice rink looked great - with a smaller area for young children.  I noticed my two immediately turned green.  "I don't think we will go on after all" they said.  What a shock after travelling so far.  In honesty, my two hadn't been ice skating for some time and seeing the locals moving around freely on the ice filled them with dread.  There was no amount of encouragement that was going to change their minds - so a lovely pizza watching the rink was a great alternative.

We shall return in the summer for another look at this lovely town.

24th December - Bordeaux

We have held off visiting Bordeaux - just because we haven't want to do everything in one year.  So we decided to wait until the time, for us, felt right.

It is beautiful!  Stunning!  We were all totally enchanted - and Christmas is a fantastic time to visit.  We left after lunch - again we didn't want to do "Bordeaux in a day"; we wanted to experience Christmas and so wanted to be there at dusk to see the lights.  It is incredibly easy to get to.  It took 40 minutes to get there in the car and then we did "park and ride" (well signposted and lots of them).  It cost 4.50 euros to park the car and for three of us to use the trams into and out of town (a 10 minute ride).

Immediately, we saw a Christmas market.  Perfect for some festive cheer.  Full of food, drink, old fashioned toys, beautiful wraps and hats.................with festive music all around.  The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial.  We then wandered off into what I assume was the main shopping area.  To say it was busy was an understatement, and looking into the distance the crowds were on force, but there was no jostling or shoving or panicking.  We were able to meandered along through the crowds eating our festive patisseries (couldn't miss those now) when we chanced upon a beautiful square full of restaurants and cafes.  The children spotted an ice cream shop and indulged in the largest four scooper I have ever seen.  I was very pleasantly surprised by the prices in the city.  There wasn't a sense of "being ripped off", the food, coffee etc was all more than affordable.  We parked ourselves by the river ice creams in hand, quickly realising we were at Place de la Bourse by the water mirror.  One of the lovey things about this city is how easy and quick it is to walk from place to place; another is the outstanding architecture.  We were in for a treat.  Just as the ice creams were coming to an end the lights came on.  Lanterns as far as the eye could see, and Place de la Bourse lit up in all it's glory.  Oh my goodness a must see.  We set back to pick up the tram and marvelled at the illuminations throughout the city.  When we reached the centre, possibly the most beautiful spectacle of all lay before us, with the Grand Hotel Bordeaux all lit up, with the lights of the Christmas market in the distance. 

4th December - Horizons

So vast is the landscape here that the sunrise begins over an hour before the sun actually rises.  I find that quite incredible and love to take the dog for a walk early to enjoy the beautiful morning skies.  The evening skies tend to be even more beautiful.  The sky in the early evening is like a bouquet of Sweet peas with the most stunning lilacs, rose, mauve and blues and occasionally vivid red.  Every evening there is a moment in time when just the trees in the distance are lit up and every evening I stand and admire the beauty.  A few weeks ago I evening caught the most incredible bright rainbow arcing over the trees but surrounded by dusk - just breath taking. 

It is a year ago that I first came to visit this house.  The time has just flown by.  I remember it was the very first house I viewed - followed by a 3 day tour of Poitier, Limosin, Dordogne and the Lot - but my heart was always here.  Although we didn't actually arrive until April we have come full circle in that the vines are now being cut back to the state they were in when we first arrived.  There will now be anticipation - knowing what the new year will have ahead of us..... and we can't wait.

21st November - November in France

Gosh I can't believe how quickly the month has flown by.  We have been very busy here.  I have taken down a couple of trees that were sat in the middle of the gardens.  I also removed a failing hedge that was reminiscent of the yellow scrub you see in the New Forest.  I have taken cuttings of a beautiful glossy Choisir that is already in the garden and hoping this will take and evolve into a beautiful new boundary for us.   I would like to take down another 20 or so trees down but one at a time! 

The opening of La Petite Grange for the winter hasbeen a great success and we have had a range of visitors.  I have closed it for this week as there is some work to be in one of the bedrooms where some damp appeared, so that will be repaired this week and I am hoping to get the bedrooms painted again.  I know I did them back in June, but I wasn't happy with the result - so I want to do them again.

The grass continues to grow at a staggering rate - probably 3 inches per week.  However, tonight we get our first frost - so I decided to go and do a final cut today.  It started out cold but beautifully bright - our first really cold day as the weather has held up into the early 20's for most of this month.  However, I could see the black clouds looming in the distance.  I was determined to get finished.  Unfortunately for me (the dog seemed to love it) for the last 10 minutes it hammered it down - I would go so far as to say it was like sleet.  My hands hadn't been so cold for many years so as soon as I had finished it was back indoors for a warm.  Now, the sun is shining away in the blue sky and warming my back like a hot water bottle.  The rays are streaming through the windows and the fires are stoked and toasty.  The waft of lamb in red wine with garlic and rosemary lingers in the air as it simmers away in the oven.  All is well.

30th October - La Rochelle (part one)

We set out bright and early this morning to get some birthday presents for the children in La Rochelle.  The drive was about 1 hour 15 mins.  However, I had forgotten to get some petrol.  Arriving at La Rochelle on perfume vapour I promptly missed the first garage.  I saw a HyperU in the distance but decided as it was in the wrong direction we would continue on our journey - we were bound to find a garage.  Wrong.  It seemed impossible to stop, to ask, to find.  An hour after arriving I was stilling driving around on red - incredible I know in all respects.  Ah, a sensible looking man to finally ask.  Yes, he seemed to be giving us directions.  Would we make it.  Oh, he is actually going to take us.  He has jumped in the car with his 2 baguettes.  He directs us and 5 minutes later asks us to stop.  Out he jumps - he is home - no really - yes.  Thankfully with literally no more than a gasp of petrol left L'Eclerc appeared like a goddess in front of us. 

Next, we had to find the clothes stores.  We used my phone to navigate us to some out of town centre - not what we were after - but hey we were fed up of driving around.  Oh dear - nothing doing. 

Right, we are now all really fed up and decide to head back to Saintes where we know the town centre has clothes shops.  But perhaps I will just follow the centre sign and see what happens...........nothing ventured after all.  At last something went well.  There we were in a beautiful, historical town centre full of small elegant shops and bistro cafes.  It was buzzing with life.  A few hours spent here soon had us relaxed and joyful. We will definitely be returning just before Christmasto get us all in the festive spirit.

We didn't have the time or energy today to visit the beach or port but La Rochelle is definitely on our map now.

24th October - Colours

The Autumn here is turning out to be stunning.  The trees are all the vibrant colours that one would find in the woods and along the roadsides in the UK.  I can only think the difference is that here you are probably more guaranteed to have that final burst of autumn whereas in the UK poor weather can quickly move the trees into winter and there display is more often lost.  It is also a great time to spot some of the amazing predatory birds that live in the area - buzzards, red kites etc.

I have closed the pool now and I am looking forward to getting the new liner in the Spring ready for our second summer season.

Rather excitingly, we have our first late season guests in La Petite Grange.  The log burner is roaring away and the place looks homely and cosy.  With the lovely autumn days it is a great time to look at some city days out, or perhaps a tour around a Cognac distillery.

Winter in SW France - 20th October

The sun is streaming through the window as I sit and write this.  If I close my eyes I can pretend it is a hot summers day.  In reality - it is a beautiful and warm autumn day so nothing to be glum about.

Great news - we have installed a wood burner into La Petite Grange and so it is now open for business 12 months of the year.  Winter is a great time to come and visit Bordeaux or La Rochelle, Blaye or Saintes.  Come and visit the Christmas markets or cycling through the countryside on a warm day.  Cook up some local fare and relax with scenic views out the window.  It couldn't be better.

12th October - Grape Juice

Much to our excitement our neighbour invited us over yesterday to watch the process of harvesting and juicing the grapes.

There was an excitement in the air, an anticipation of what the yield would bring this year.  Apparently, last year was too dry and that led to a lower harvest.  Cognac distilleries do not allow watering of the vines in such conditions.  I was pleased to see it had been an excellent year.  I am digressing. ........

The grape picker was enormous.  The driver sat 12 feet in the air, teetering over the vines whilst large rubber tubes ripped the grapes from the vines.  They were then transferred into a compressor which extracted the juice.  Interestingly, the grapes were then sent off to make pharmaceutical alcohol - a great use of a by-product.  Huge hose pipes pumped the juice into large vats where it would be stored for 10 days before being shipped to Cognac.  This gave it time to ferment and the alcohol levels to rise.  We were given a demonstration of how a hydrometer works - very useful for our next adventure making Elderflower Champagne and much to our delight wewere given a drink of freshly squeezed grape juice.  Lovely and sweet - some thought; quite sour others thought.  Whatever it was - it was delicious.

Inspired by my morning - we ventured home to tidy up the garden and enjoy a warm afternoon in the sun.

8th October - They have arrived.......

A little overdue, but well worth the wait, the wild flowers have finally started arriving.   Our large 4ft high tub is absolutely blooming with an array of pinks, yellows and whites.  The meadow grass has dots of the most beautiful burgundy and pink.........I am thrilled.  Hopefully, this will mean a great bloom next year.

The weather continues to hold with a beautiful, warm 20 degrees today.  Dan the mower has finally come home and not before time - the lawn has had two haircuts and is starting to look a little more appropriate again.

I have started the process to close the pool - I am expecting to shut it at the end of next week.  The temperate looks like it is going to drop below 15 degrees which is the magic number.