Bordeaux and South West France (Saturday)

My last entry had us trying to catch our breath at Gare Montparnasse (train station called Montparnasse in Paris), we boarded the train to Bordeaux and at ridiculously high speeds were whisked south to Emily's Bordeaux. 

Christine was waiting on the platform as we climbed down from train, amid much kissing and hugging is was so lovely to see a familiar face. We could not have possibly guessed what she had in store for us for the weekend ahead.

On Saturday we made an early start and headed for la Brede, a small town near the village Emily had lived in during her time in France. In la Brede we visited the local bakery for a breakfast of coffee and pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant). 

Back in the car we headed East toward Gourdon. We made a couple of photo stops (incl. Bonaguil Castle), before we arrived in our much anticipated destination. Wow... It was everything we hoped for, a nice collection of interesting shops, all the essentials, charcuterie, butcher, library & newsagent, and on the outskirts of town a couple of major supermarkets. We had an 'interesting' but very yummy lunch, got some tourist info and then went to visit the 'house'. 

The house is located only 2km from the village, an easy walk. It is isolated from any neighbours by its extensive gardens and tree lined periphery. It is nicely, but practically furnished, and has undergone some renovations. But the main thing, it is perfect, exactly what I was hoping for and more and together with the village, absolutely ideal. 

After leaving the house we headed for our next adventure, an overnight stay in an 11th Century monastery (Christine's surprise). It was as you would imagine unbelievable to stay somewhere with such history. 

On the way we did a few detours to castle's for photos !

Now for the Abbeye (the Monastery) 

After settling in, we crossed the road - had a terrific dinner and fell into bed, what a day !