The River

Port Sainte Foy last summer - the boat ramp to the left and the river
path at the base of the house walls

During the summer we were complaining about the lack of rain and the river was suffering. For a few weeks the water level was so low that the bed was exposed. For the first time since we’ve lived here there where water restrictions. 

this is the river bed, normally underwater

the river became narrower as the summer progressed

Now we look forward to any day with a bit of sunshine. We have had so much rain that there is serious flooding further south. The river level has risen so far that the waterside path, the picnic area, the roadway and the boat ramps have disappeared.There have been days when the wind is up and trees are uprooted. Many of our friends are complaining about roof tiles lifted off and damaged . Winter has arrived early.

the walking path has disappeared

there is a group of "oldies" who usually sit in this area ,
discuss the problems of the world and watch the river go by - not this week

the road underwater

the picnic tables looking lonely

Of course, that also means lots of hot chocolate, vin chaud (hot mulled wine). I make my own crumpets because they aren’t a french thing and we can’t buy them here. It’s also perfect weather for making big pots of vegetable soups – minestrone, french onion, chicken and corn. Our meals move from summer salads to traditional french winter dishes – choucroute, pot au feu, coq au vin, porc aux lentilles, lapin à la moutarde ou aux prunes. I’ve noticed that even fondue has reappeared for some this year.

vin chaud in the making

The christmas markets are everywhere. Each village holds one in the village hall on a weekend leading up to christmas. The larger towns hold them for a couple of weeks and the whole town centre is lit up. One of the carparks in the centre of town has a collection of chalets selling christmas craft and food, and an ice rink for the children.

Thinking of everyone suffering in the heat and bushfires in Australia. Hope you are ok for christmas.

meilleurs voeux

(best wishes)

christmas market in Bordeaux

Armistice Day in a french village

There were less people there this morning than in past years. The light rain may have put some off. We all bought our bluetes (cornflowers) from the returned serviceman. Nurses from WW1 originally set up a workshop for injured servicemen to make these paper flowers as a form of rehabilitation. Now they are the official symbol for Armistice Day in France.

The ceremony started at the hamlet up the hill that is also part of our commune, then the official party drove down to our mairie and the procession re-formed.

Le maire and the president of the local serviceman’s association read their speeches. There are lots of reminders of the wars in our area – plaques at the sites of executions, bullet holes in walls, rebuilt villages – so we are always aware of the past.

Another medal presentation  by monsieur le maire.

La Marseillaise is played loudly, then all move on to the salle de fête for a glass of wine and a catch up with neighbours.

for those who are also fans of Martin Walker's books,
this is our version of "Bruno"

 Let us never forget the sacrifices of others for our safety, whether they be soldiers, police or firefighters. 

Autumn and olives

Leaves are changing colour, there is the occasional misty morning in the river valley and , at last , the rain has returned. The river bed that has been exposed for weeks is now underwater, as it should be , and the swans have returned to our section of the river.

olive tree is looking healthy

We lost our wonderful fig tree last year after a storm
 - lots of good strong shoots from the stump
so we are hopeful that the tree will regenerate

always a little sad when the leaves fall

There has been an olive tree in our garden since before we arrived, but never many olives until this year. We’ve just picked about a kilo of lovely dark fruit and have decided to make our first attempt at preserving them. Should be an interesting experience.

Lots of work once all these leaves fall

Have been making pots of soup and freezing them for later, and a batch of clementine marmalade since there has been lots of fruit at the market fresh from Spain. With cooler grey weather it’s  perfect for spending time in the kitchen.

Discovered that christmas decorations have already arrived in the stores this week. Such a shock as it feels as though summer has only just finished. C’est la vie.

even the hydrangea has an autumn colour

Hope the weather is good for you where ever you are

Château les Merles

the entry courtyard

It was a cool, cloudy day but perfect for lunch with friends at Chateau les Merles. This place is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and has a nine hole golf course and guest villas. The perfect getaway in a quiet spot in the countryside east of Bergerac.

the kitchen is busy and the staff are friendly

We enjoyed an excellent meal (no food porn here), local wines and friendly staff.

the private bar

more

The restaurant is in an old farm building, now beautifully restored and decorated. 

look at the size of that fireplace

restaurant reception

a mural of the local wine appellations

I can just imagine staying here for a short break at any time of year. Sitting by a fire on a cold winter’s day, or on the terrace watching golfers on their walk on a sunny day, either would be acceptable.

villas for rent, and two are even for sale

by the pool

the facade

Always happy to research new places for our visiting friends . Just part of the service.

Jours heureux

Autumn weekend

 

just a hint of yellow in the leaves

  

The temperature is dropping and the leaves are starting to turn yellow. The vendage has started in some areas but others are waiting until the last moment to pick making the most of the sunshine and lack of rain.

Arrive early for a table in the shade

Fabulous trees

setting up for the wine tastings

Last weekend was the Portes Ouvertes (open doors) at over twenty wine producers in the Castillon Côte de Bordeaux appellation nearby culminating with a marché gourmand at the Chateau Pitray. There was the opportunity to taste wines from eighteen local vignerons, lots of food vendors and all accompanied by a local musician on accordian , of course. This was our third visit to this event and it just keeps growing every year.

oysters freshly shucked

chicken, fries and a good red  - no better picnic

For the grand total of €3.00 we could taste all the wines on offer, and then buy a bottle to enjoy with lunch. There was the choice of oysters freshly shucked, charcuterie, salad with chevre or camembert , chicken and fries, and lots more. Even an artisan ice cream van and a pâtissier offering pastries and fresh bread.

an impressive entrance

one of the outbuildings - I could happily live here 

rear facade overlooking the pool and the fields beyond

An after lunch walk around the grounds gives an appreciation of what a fabulous chateau this is. There is a long terrace overlooking the swimming pool and the fields beyond from the rear. Beside the front entrance courtyard is the family chapel. 

the family chapel -isn't it gorgeous

The trees providing all the shade are over 100 year old oak, cedar and sequoia and truly grand as befits a property that has been in the same family for 600 years. It originated in the 15^th century as a feudal manor , was upgraded in 17^th century then rebuilt in the 19^th century in the victorian gothic style we see today. Their wines are sold all over the world.

Bon dégustation