Goodbye Montchalon - Hello Bruges

So, it is with heavy heart we say goodbye to our lovely French rural retreat. The House we rented in Montchalon was perfect (http://www.vrbo.com/410222). A labour of love for the owners, a work in progress with quirky plumbing, comfy beds, crisp clean bedding, a well equipped kitchen, well chosen furniture and the sound of the church bells chiming, it gifted us total peace and relaxation. Located just outside Laon, it afforded us the opportunity to visit many surrounding points of interest and only just over an hour to Paris ....

Its not over yet though, we decided to tag an extra night onto our holiday with a little detour to Bruges, just over the France border into Belgium. A place I have always wanted to visit and can now cross off my bucket list. Not for long though, one night was not nearly enough and I feel another visit coming on really soon.  I spent most of my time looking up at the marvellous medieval architecture ....

It's spectacular with lots of cobbled lanes, alcoves and seemingly hidden passageways to unknown destinations.  We didn't even get to see the canals and bridges, time passed so quickly, we arrived, checked into our hotel, had dinner and collapsed. I don't mind, it gives us more reason to return ....

A must for any European traveller's list! Enjoy.

Paris - I Love/Hate You ....

Paris; crowded, dirty, smelly, polluted, expensive and noisy. Paris; architecturally beautiful, chic, lively, historical, colourful. Take your pick, it's got it all. Having experienced the flip side of both coins this week, give me rural any time. In my life I have visited Paris a few dozen times. I would not be sad if this were my last. I first visited in my teens, some 40 years ago. It's a different city than it was then, or maybe I'm just different. Whatever the reason, it has lost it's allure for me.

The heavens opened while we were there, so photo opportunities were somewhat limited ....

Meg rocking her Paris chic!

I'm glad we went, but I'm also glad that it was only for one day. Tomorrow we head for Bruges, Belgium. A place I have never visited and can't wait to see what it's like.

France - La Vie

A little something sweet to entice you in ....

We have been busy the past few days, busy relaxing, taking in the sights, visiting the vineyards and Champagne houses, brocantes and the many war memorials scattered around this area of Picardy. Life is so different in this part of the world. They live life to the beat of a different drum to the one I am used to. The pace of life seems so much slower. Maybe it's an illusion, a very good one, they have me fooled. All I know is, I want more of it.  Tomorrow will probably be a rest day but on Thursday we plan on going to Paris. 

Until then, a little slice of rural France for you  ....

Enjoy ...

France - Daily Life

As the crow flies we are 328 miles from home. Weather wise we could be a 1,000 miles. Torrential rain and storms hit south Wales today and here, in France we were greeted by a hot sun more suited to Cannes. Up at the crack of noon we ventured out, eyes squinting against the intense, whitewashed sun, we surveyed our surroundings.  A beautiful shutter clad cottage in the middle of nowhere ....

We are staying in the village of Montchalon, a short drive from the region's capital Laon.  A medieval city perched high on a hill with expansive views of the surrounding countryside.  The city of Laon houses one of France's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals dating back to the 12th century ....

After our cultural fill, we meandered through the time-worn streets looking for a comfy place to rest and enjoy some French cuisine ....

We finally settled on a friendly al-fresco spot outside the Mayor's residence where I was treated to the biggest bowl of steaming Moules Roquefort I have ever seen ....

Delicious.  My next post will be another little video, a la French Life.

Until then, au revoir mes amis!

France - Le Voyage

The English Channel was clear, calm and bright. France was bathed in expectant crops of yellow rapeseed, giving the countryside a sunny glow. Peaceful, respectful and sparsely populated. I feel like I have come home.

I am at peace, taking in aromatic fresh air, sleeping like a baby with the only sounds being the chime of the Montchalon village church bell and a distant cockerel heralding the morn. Rush hour consisted of one car. I wish you were here to share this bliss. Paris may be what floats your boat, for me it is the solitude of the French countryside.

Enjoy!

France - Here we come ....

Slightly off timing, I will be a week behind everyone else but Anita has kindly allowed me to participate nonetheless   We will be travelling to France on the last day of the link party, but hopefully, I will be taking lots of nice pics during the week so, watch this space!

I look forward to visiting all your lovely blogs this week, it will really get me in the mood for our trip to Champagne :-)

Weekend in London ....

We spent the Bank Holiday weekend in London with very dear friends we have known for YONKS! The kind of friends you can spend hour after hour, doing nothing much in particular, but feeling totally at ease and comfortable with.  Our only foray into Landan Taan was to the Excel at Royal Victoria Dock for the Grand Designs Show. I forgot my camera, Doh, but like a magpie to a shiny thing, managed to capture this humungous sparkler on my iPhone ....

It was at least 4ft high, must have weighed a ton and would need a palace to do it justice. Stunning!
After three hours of drooling over the best British design has to offer, we headed to a Docklands pub off a hidden side street, "The Gun". There has been a pub on the site for over 250 years. The Gun takes its name from the cannon which was fired to celebrate the opening of the West India Dock in 1802.  The place oozes history from every corner.  Lord Horatio Nelson used to meet Lady Emma Hamilton for secret assignations in an upstairs room; It was even used as a meeting place for smugglers!

We enjoyed a typical Sunday Roast, beef, roasties and Yorkshire pudding whilst overlooking the O2 Arena where crowds were gathering for Beyonce ....

It was a great weekend, sunny, hot, great company and food. Just Right!

Reflections ....

Enjoy!

Blue Skies - Marina Life

Finally, good weather, blue skies, fluffy marshmallow clouds and all is well with the world ....

Enjoy!

How Nice!

As is usual, I opened up my shop first thing this morning to check any activity and what do I see ......

Happy Birthday Dianne! Thank you etsy.