Southern France
Trip Start
Oct 03, 2006
1
13
18
Trip End
Nov 13, 2006
Concots, France
Friday, November 3, 2006
Our 5 days in the south of France were fabulous. Denise & Peter were there to meet us at Toulouse airport. Our lightning connection worked out Ok. Very tight though - as we left Stuttgart 30 mins late because of fog at Toulouse, so it was more hairy than we expected, lots of queues and we were the last 2 to board - don't want to do that again!
The hours drive from Toulouse was part motorway but mainly beautiful countryside. En route we stopped at 'The Old Mill' for lunch. Denise had warned us that we might be a bit shocked at the route taken - way off the beaten track and then again like Italy 'you can't judge a book by its cover'. This was the beginning of our gastronomic tour of southern France. Peter & Denise are experts at knowing where to eat and at the right price. We've sampled all the different regions' food in the different areas. Everywhere is 5 courses including vegetable soup, mains include chicken, duck, wild boar & rabbit, depending on the area you are in, as well as the different cheeses & wines of the region + delectable desserts.
Denise & Peter's cottage + barn is incredible. It was just four walls & a roof when they bought it 6 years ago & over 250 years old. They have done a massive amount of work and 99% of it themselves. At the moment they have 2 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen & pool with a very sunny back terrace surrounding it - we have just had the most restful, relaxed time thanks to their incredible hospitality. They have so many plans for the cellar area & barn that I have just got to get back here in a few years to see it! Start saving Maureen!!!
We went on many drives to neighbouring villages all so picturesque in Denise's words it is a 'living museum'. We also got to Pomarede (for all those who have read the Mary Moody books 'Au Revoir' & 'Last Tango in Toulouse') - this is the restaurant she used to frequent and we met the owner Madame Mauret who signed the two books for us. Thanks Elizabeth for the books they really set the scene for our tour of France.
Everyday we used to go for a drive in a different area, have a picnic lunch and then home by 4pm for a 'siesta' - then out for dinner. It was wonderful. We can't thank Denise & Peter enough for their kindness. All the driving and local knowledge made our holiday one to remember!
Back to London now to do our High Teas at the Berkley Hotel & the Ritz and then to see 'Billy Elliot' the musical.
Au Revoir,
Win & Emma
PS. Belated birthday greetings Rhonda - hope you had a great day!
PPS. Happy 70th Birthday greetings Denise. We were thinking of you on your special day - hope you had a happy day!!
Comments
The French Connection
Hi Win & Emma,
Wow! you certainly describe your travels beautifully and in such detail, I almost feel I am travelling with you.
How wonderful to experience such hospitality and be taken to all those fabulous regions of France.
How is the waistline going? Sounds like the cusine has been amazing.
Take care and keep the news coming.
Luv,
Kristine
Bon jour mon amiee!
Win I can just see you enjoying the delights of France and getting into the spirit of life - good on you.
Love to you and Emma.
Maria M xx
London visit
Hi Win and Emma - At least I know you have made it to London. Ange was delighted that you guys were able to call in to see her and Kiera. Pity you couldn't have waited until nighttime and gone to the fireworks with them in the park nearby. The France trip appears to have been just so wonderful. We had a week away at downtown Gerroa at least we didn't have to adjust to driving on the other side of the road. We look forward to lots of stories upon your return that is if you decide to come back and not find some other countries to check out. Take care~~~
Denis and Carmel
Homeward Bound
Hi Win & Emma - You certainly have had a smorgasbord of travel experiences. I have been quite envious of all the delights of your travels. Don't worry..I've started saving!! Helen organised a birthday breakfast for Denise last Sunday so caught up with the Reids and some of the Collins'. By the way the land has sold so that is a relief. I know you will continue to enjoy the last part of your holiday and look forward to your return next week. Love Maureen
Re: Bon jour mon amiee!
Thanks for your messages - at last I have a little more time to reply to them. It was great to get to see Angela and Keira - what a shame we had our luncheon date otherwise we could have stayed on to see Chloe after her swimming lesson - I don't think we would have missed her by much. But Ange says she hates to leave her friends and stays on to play afterwards - sounds just like our Lucy.
It will be good to catch up - I think it will all be a 'big dream' when I get home and try to remember it all - at least the travelblog will help.
Love to you both,
Win & Emma
Re: Re: Bon jour mon amiee!
Thank you Maria for your messages during my trip and all the advice. This is the first time I have had a little extra time to reply. We are enjoying a well earned break in Thailand - the heat was a bit of a shock after London.
Looking forward to catching up on my return.
Love, Win
Re: London visit
Dear Maureen,
I have a bit extra time at last, so thank you for all your messages along the way. I haven't always had time to read them but have caught up tonight in Bangkok.
We are enjoying a relaxing time here - weather very hot which is a shock after London. I find it a bit hot on the beach, but the pool at the resort is very welcoming and I have had a couple of massages - they are in airconditioned premises thank goodness.
Thanks for all the news, will be in touch next week.
Love Win xxxx