Well over the last couple of weeks Covid restrictions in France have been gradually lifting.
Not that we have ever felt that we were restricted! Our daily life has been barely effected here in rural France, although it is a joy now to be able to travel around the country and not have to fill in forms detailing why!!
So today we decided to head over to our closest stretch of coastline a leisurely 90 minute drive away. No thought of sunbathing or swimming as we are still experiencing the wettest, coolest May in decades.
Our warm, sunny April was just a tempter of what is to come (hopefully 😊)
Having travelled through the vineyards of Cognac, we pulled up at the mouth of the Gironde river, due north of Bordeaux. Unfortunately the sun stayed hidden but the French are out and about with motor homes lining the opposite bank.
Travelling north there was lots of activity on the beach at Royan as the sand was being groomed to perfection ready for the weekend, the first weekend in months that all shops and restaurants (with outside seating) have been able to open.
As always I love snapping the various decorated roundabouts we see on our travels, usually depicting some historical or industry relevant centerpiece.
Further up the road we shopped for a picnic before pulling in alongside a familiar stretch of the Atlantic to enjoy food and a leg stretch.
I know that these have been posted before but we got up closer this time😊
Back to “Parsley “ the Peugeot for another little section of coastline before turning back inland and homeward bound.
Whilst picnic shopping we indulged in all the fabulous goodies that Grand Frais (a wonderful indoor market chain) have to offer and came back with supplies of fresh veggies, fruit, fish and exotic nibbles and spices.
Definitely not late Spring / Summer weather there Sue – I’ve only ever been in Royan when its blazing hot and you can’t move for tourists and day trippers. At least you got some bracing sea air…. LOL
You’re right Dave, hopefully summer will reappear again soon.🌞
Looks so good Sue and Chris. Great to see that you are so enjoying it all. I wish we could come and see you. We are off in 4 weeks to a tour of cattle stations in the Red Centre starting in Mount Isa and finishing at Uluru! Different country to France. My new puppy, Archer, is keeping me very busy and much exercised! Take care and we think you both a lot! Love Liz and Jim.
Hi Liz and Jim, enjoy your Red Centre tour, look forward to hearing all about it. As you say very different to France! Glad that Archer is keeping you exercised😂 something that we are not good at – other than cycling the local lanes and laps in the pool (well 2 laps for me before I konk out!)Would love to see a photo of Archer.
Forgot to mention Liz, we will be glued to the telly this week for Royal Ascot. So good to see spectators allowed back on course.
Hi Sue and Chris, Sounds like it is a good time to visit the coast, keep away from the tourists and crowds. Like Liz, we would love to be planning a trip to say hello. It hurts every time we drive through Bairnsdale with no elongated pit stop. I have just done a weekend workshop with acrylic paint on Urban Landscapes. Loved it and feel a renewed enthusiasm for picking up the paint brushes. Renovations are moving forward ever so slowly. We seem to be forever waiting for materials. However, the space is looking great and we will be excited to once again welcome family and friends. (take not Liz and Jim) Take care, much love Robyn and Bill xx
Yes Robby we make a point of avoiding crowds, although did enjoy our first pavement cafe meal recently! Hope it won’t be too long before your renovations are done, time and money seems to be the catch cry for those who brave renovating! Delighted to hear that you are inspired once again with your art,although there wouldn’t be too many urban landscapes near by😊
Let’s hope we’re not on Zimmer frames before we can get together again !! Take care xx