So we’ve left the Loire Valley behind, where we could have spent a year.
And moved on to the medieval village of Sarlat in the Dordogne (south western France). The house we’re staying in was built... ooooh... 700 years ago, give or take 50. Quite new really, when compared to the cathedral 100m down the road- ah, lane. Cobbled, lane.
I booked this leg of our journey months ago, before we decided to bring the laptop, when an internet connection wasn’t an essential for accommodation choice (I’m writing this in Word). So here we are, in a medieval village, WITHOUT WIFI! You’d think they would have ‘future proofed’ the area’s planning when they built the cathedral in the 12th century, or even when they remodelled it and built the rest of the village in the 15th century. You’d think.
Sarlat is incredible. The village is HOW IT WAS...
...that’s just a street like all the others. It was hard to pick something to take a photo of, so I didn’t end up taking many.
But here’s some I did take...
Between writing the above, and now, I have shared a glass of wine (well, I didn’t share my GLASS, you know what I mean), with my good husband on our door step. It’s so hot tonight and let’s talk about those medieval folk not thinking about airconditioning... or our landlord not thinking of a fan...
Here I am just moments ago... at 9.45pm, yes, it is still daylight, yes, there is a blanket over the kids’ bedroom window...
Pretty great.
This region is also known for it’s foie gras production. If you don’t know what FOIE GRAS is, or how it’s produced, I suggest you don’t do too much research. I will tell you that it has quite a bit to do with ducks and geese who... ummm, among other things... live in a free range environment under orchards such as this....
Awwww, that’s noice.
And I saw a flock of these geese. They looked happy enough (despite possibly being force fed grain through a funnel earlier that day- BUT I WASN’T GOING TO TELL YOU!!), I’m sure the good farmer used a very SOFT funnel, and has gentle hands...
Anyhoo...
Yeah, loved it. Every second shop here in Sarlat sells it, so when in Rome... It’s like the most amazing pate you’ve ever had. We’ve tasted all the varieties from the chepest bloc style (photo) which is processed like a pate to the real thing in duck and goose (where the goose is the superior). In fact I’m nibbling on a slice of toasted baguette and some Foie Gras d’Oie Mi-cuit (the goose one) right now...
It looks just like pate...
So therefore, it is.
Mind over matter, I say.
Ummm...
Oh yes, some photos of these wonderful houses built into the stone of cliff-faces. Completely, shake your head fantastic.
And then the rest of the house is IN THE ROCK. Have another kid, get your shovel, dig out a room.
One week to go and we’re looking for coal mines in France. Can Rod get a job over here? Will his one line in French (which he’s whipped out a few times- while I stifle giggles) suffice in the French workplace? Come on, let’s find out...
