First visit of French class!

At last, four intrepid travellers arrived in Bergerac. They flew Dublin Bordeaux, then we made our way to St. Emilion, in hot sunshine. This visit included walking up steep streets, sight-seeing, drinking champagne, eating panini, shopping etc.

Later they checked into a small hotel in Bergerac, and went to the Gallen hovel for introduction to wife, drinks, and dinner. This lasted until well after midnight, when it was required to go to bed to prepare for the exertions of the next day.

The hot sun didn't return, but a tour was taken which took in Beynac, La Roque Gageac and Domme. Beynac was explored in some detail, but the rain commenced and shortened the exploration of the latter two. However, we found lunch in Domme, dry and warm.

The next step was to see two "bastide" towns, Monpazier and Beaumont. These were found to be dry (as was Bergerac - all day) and Monpazier was interesting, and is regarded as one of the best looking bastides. Beaumont is also nice but less spectacular.

We also passed through Couze, famous, autrefois, for the manufacture of paper. It still has a paper museum, and a fine restaurant, Au Fil de l'Eau. The Couze river joins the Dordogne here, forming a weir in the process. Our restaurant for the evening was "Lou Brageirac", very French!

The third day was for exploring Bergerac, starting with the markets, the clothes market, the fruit and vegetable market and the covered market, with it's classy delicatessen and cheese shop. We also explored the squares, the statues of Cyrano, the traditional  (and very old) buildings. Mary photographed everything! We encountered two bird-watchers, one of whom lives 100 metres from chez Gallen (Claude Subirat); the other lives in a house that is part 14th century, part 17th century.

We also met a woman (Helène) out of my conversation class.

The sun came out, allowing us to walk along the river to the lunch venue, chez Gallen.

Later, we visited the Chateau Monbazillac, with its tasting centre for the wine of the same name, mostly sweet, to go with dessert or with melon starter. Our restaurant later was Le Bistro du Coin, run by George and Chris, from Derry and England.

Sunday was spent going to church and getting back to Merignac airport in time for the flight, in seriously heavy rain!

Thank you all for coming.

My photos are at : http://seamusbergerac.shutterfly.com/64 and they look alright on the "Slideshow" option. But the others have more pictures, especially Mary.