Rain at last!

Yesterday we had the first rain for a long long time and the gardens have lapped it up. Everything looks fresh and bright today. This is a photo from the Jardin d’Aberlaide, a garden that comes into its own in Autumn.

Potager in Cahors

We came upon this delightful potager in the middle of Cahors outside a church. The French definitely love their vegetable growing and do it with such style.

St Leon sur Vezere

There is a lovely village called St Leon sur Vezere where we stopped off for a glass of wine by the river. The church is impressive for such a small place.

Wine Harvest

Every-one is gearing themselves up for the ‘vendage’ or wine harvest. The rows of vines look wonderful so let’s hope for a good vintage.

Box hedging

Not only does the plant ‘buxus’ survive well here but it also helps create gardens that have form and all year round interest. This view is part of the gardens at Chateau Losse.

Chateau Biron

I took a left turning at Paranquet the other day and followed the winding road to the top where I found this amazing panoramic view towards Chateau Biron.

A right turn then leads you onto a ‘white road’ which leads through woods to Gaugeac. Perfect for cycling.

Lunching in Paunat

Yesterday we lunched at Chez Julien in Paunat. It really was a lovely meal sitting under the spreading lime trees and umbrellas with the Cistercian Abbey looming up and sound of the stream trickling through the meadows.

Restoration

I recently watched a restoration programme where they retained the ruin and built within it with excellent results. Here is a version in Bergerac where they have restored the building so that it is watertight and usable but the ancient construction is very evident.

Parched earth

Our glorious summer continues but the prairies are definitely looking in need of some respite and rain. No doubt it will change soon enough as September arrives next week although we usually continue with our outdoor living until the mid/end of October.

Monbazillac wine

Monbazillac is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée for sweet white wine produced in the village of Monbazillac on the left bank of the Dordogne River just across from the town of Bergerac. The appellation covers almost 2,000 hectares of vineyards.

This view towards the Chateau de Monbazillac of meadow flowers and rows of vines is simply delightful.