Dordogne and Garonne

We visited Chateau de Saumur on our last day in this region. Access to most areas of the building was limited due to restoration work which has been under way since 2004 but still worth looking at and the view from the top overlooking the river was stunning and we enjoyed some sweet crepes coffee in local cafe before leaving.

Simplicity and elegance

Next day we visited the Troglodyte Rochemenier Village which was basically a cluster of caves built under ground and included pictures of similar places in the world including Cobber Pedy in Australia. Was amazing to see how they lived in such a confined space and how much they cared for their animals by having underground areas especially created to keep them safe from the weather and predators. We were fortunately the only ones present and able to wonder around imagining how much we would enjoy living like this.  The village itself also included homes built under ground which are used today and then there are others whose owners plan to renovate and use at a later stage. Really nice.

Cosy - and just enough room for essentials

 We headed off early the next day and were one of the earlier arrivals at Rocamadour which is the location of a city built into the side of a cliff. Amazing and rather hair raising ride to this area, winding down narrow roads, through a tunnel which only just allows two vehicles at one time and certainly not a bus and motor home!!  We enjoyed the opportunity of visiting this historic and religious village before daily onslaught of visitors to this second most visited area in France and in memory of her parents, Grants parents and Anne Perry, Helena placed a lite candle in the chapel. It was of meaning and significant to religious feel of this region and the light shone brightly as we left.

Leaving here we meandered through the French countryside - driving through the rural villages and seeing the animals before arriving at Bergerac for lunch and then settling down for the night at Bastide which is a friendly UK run park. Grant did some fishing while Helena caught up with the washing etc...   We also enjoyed full internet access so able to catch up with emails etc.....

Travelling through the countryside in Dordogne on our last day in France was very enjoyable. This region is the essence of France. It's where the two rivers join, is green lush and full of some of the oldest history in France. We drove past wineries and enjoyed the green and rolling countryside.It is beautiful place and a pleasant area to rest a pair of wary legs.  We stayed overnight at Sainte-Foy-La Grande which was very good and positioned alongside the river in an area named Bastide. The next morning we strolled to the Sat. morning market and surrounded by mixture of stalls. Of note, there was an English Book Stall Exchange. Viola !! we were able to purchase many books.