Les Halles Foyen has finally opened !

When we first came to this area on holidays many years ago, there was a Super U supermarket at Ste Foy just over the bridge. It was very popular as it was within walking distance for those who live in the old town. By the time we bought our house and moved to Port Ste Foy, the supermarket had closed and a new, larger version had opened on the outskirts of the town. The old building has sat empty for all that time and we have often commented on our preferences for a new business to utilise the space. Well, it’s happened.

We have watched with great interest  as the interior of the building was renovated over the past few months . Word soon got around that it was going to be an indoor market , but no more details than that.

le poissonnier

la boucherie

local wines

Finally, the doors opened on Friday morning, a month late but that is the french way.

Really pleased with the selection of shops, including  BIO, and the inclusion of a bar providing lunch and a terrace for the summer. And it’s going to be open seven days a week. 

chinese takeaway

la fromagerie

le

the BIO shop

speaks for itself

the bar is always a popular spot, even before lunch

perfect spot for a coffee or a glass of something cold on a sunny day -
not sure why the name " Le Mand 'Ella " ???

The terrace does overlook the carpark and the stone wall surrounding the cemetery, but the trees and the rambling roses and the flower boxes make up for that and you never know who you will bump into while you sit back and watch the world go by.

Country towns all over the world are declining as the younger generation  leaves for the big cities. It is encouraging to see this much support of local businesses and we are looking forward to making the most of this enterprise.

Bon week-end mes amis

Paris by open top bus

introduction to Paris  -   Notre Dame

We decided that the arrival of an old school friend from Australia who had never been to Europe was a good excuse for a few days in Paris.

parisian balcony

there's always a park

Sunday afternoon was glorious and we joined the crowds on the Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis  and along the quais.

garden behind Notre Dame

house of agro engineers ?

Monday, the weather was the usual spring overcast but not cold so we took the big tour in the open top bus to give our friend an overview of the city. This is a good way to get a feel for the layout of Paris and the main sights, the abundance of parks, the tree lined boulevards, and the beautiful vistas.

the golden ladies of Paris

We were surprised at how many tourists had already arrived.  We usually avoid the city and the crowds during the summer months. Last year Paris recorded over 80 million visitors. Not bad for a country with a population of 66 million.

the trees in bloom at Trocadero

you know what !

the golden dome of Les Invalides - we once visited here at the same time
as a VIP - there were dozens of police in the streets and snipers on the dome !

front view of Les Invalides - beautiful topiary

always traffic on the Champs Elysees

if you are brave enough to drive here, you can rent a 2CV for a vintage experience

another hidden garden

a chocolatier with a sense of humour  - chocolate frogs

a lazy beggar ! - paper cup on the end of his fishing rod -
 perhaps he thought he could reach the passengers in the tourist buses

Luckily, we checked emails on monday night to find one from SCNF advising that there would be a rail strike on wednesday and thursday so our wednesday train trip home was not going to happen. Either we stayed in Paris until the weekend ( tough decision ) or we had to leave a day early. Since other arrangements had been made for the rest of the week, there was really no choice. After a couple of hours on the phone and internet that night we managed to get seats for the next afternoon. 

Since there was three of us with luggage, we chose to take a taxi to the station and thought it best to arrive early in case of any further issues. Just as well ! In the usual french manner there was a protest march outside the station and the area was closed by the police who were there en masse and suited up for trouble. The taxi could only get us to about 1km away so we dragged our luggage through the streets and managed to get to the platform with only a few minutes to spare. Very  grateful to be finally in our train seats.

So. missed out on the shopping I had planned and a few other activities. Graham grateful that the plastic did not get the workout he had expected.

relaxing at the end of the day

 Remember, if you are planning a visit to Paris, or anywhere in France, you never have enough time to see everything. No, that would be a life's work.

Bon semaine à tous

Pessac-sur-Dordogne

the chateau at Pessac-sur-Dordogne

Heading west toward Bordeaux, the next place along the river where you can cross, after Ste Foy la Grande, is Pessac-sur-Dordogne. It’s a small village with quite a few pretty houses overlooking the water. 

there's nothing quite like a river frontage

the houses are so pretty

On Sunday they held their first vide grenier of the season. The day started with the promise of warmer temperatures and sunshine and there was a light breeze along the river…..ideal for treasure hunting.

canoeing/kayaking is very popular when the weather warms up

In spring and summer this is where the canoe rental companies drop off and pick up their clients. As a matter of fact the canoes are usually put into the water at Port Ste Foy and the current  carries them to Pessac where they are pulled out. It’s just a long enough paddle for a pleasant river experience.

there are some beautiful views from the river

The stalls were set up on the access road along the river bank and in the carpark beside the charcutier ( like a deli). Naturally, there was a barbecue with sausages on rolls (baguette) and frites, and a stall selling churros and fairy floss. And of course, a bar.

 

At the end of the fair we wandered up a little lane between the houses and discovered a ‘secret garden’ complete with stone walls and a  ruined garden house. 

the little lane from the river

Once it would have provided a pleasant spot to sit with a view of the river. I think it is in the grounds of the old chateau and I can just imagine a summer’s day and ladies in pretty flowing dresses and parasols sipping rosé, or a tisane, and watching boats floating with the current down toward Bordeaux. But now it’s overgrown and slowly disintegrating…..such a pity.

hiding away in the foliage

what a surprise !

it would have been quite an ornate little building

And we noticed that the house here in the village we had viewed three years ago when we were hunting for a place of our own is still available. It is in good condition though it has original french decor , that is, lots and lots of floral wallpaper.  The wisteria covered veranda and the vine covered garage add to the charm. It would make a comfortable home for someone.

Just needs a couple of windows on this blank wall to give more views of the river.

By lunchtime, the sun had disappeared and the breeze had turned into something more and was blowing away the umbrellas, so time to head home.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend too.

à bientôt mes amis