Wednesday 31 May 2017

A visit to the garden festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire


Some images from last weeks visit to the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire with friends Mike and Liz -If you haven't been, then you should give it a visit. 





















Tuesday 30 May 2017

Australians sample the delights of the Loire Valley



Latest comments from the guestbook at the 'Old Walnut Mill' in Barrou
28th May 2017

"We have had a very pleasant week in what has turned out to be the hottest week of the year so far. The house is comfortable and well equipped, thank you and after a couple of weeks in much smaller places we enjoyed the space. Thanks for the strawberries - what a crop you have! The cherries will be ready to take over in a week or two.  Trips to Chenonceau and Villandry were long days but worth it to see these two very spectacular places. More locally Loches, Chedigny (with all its roses) La Roche Posay, Angles-surl'Anglin all had their attractions. We were grateful for the recommendations to restaurants Le Gerbe d'Or (Loches) and Chez Grand Ma (Le Grand-Pressigny) and are happy to commend them to future travellers. It is pleasant to explore the local area, the small roads, the villages and hamlets that are so typically French. Thanks again Jim & Pauline."

Geoffrey & Margaret Grinton,

Melbourne, Australia

Monday 29 May 2017

Another sweltering day in the Loire Valley...



Yesterday,Sunday,we welcomed new guests to the Old Walnut Mill in temperatures 30+ fortunately they have some shady spots in the courtyard and a salon that provides some welcome relief from the blazing sun. 


Because of the sunshine our roses are beautiful at the moment





We are so glad that to have adopted a flexible arrival day policy as we managed another changeover at 'Le Bourg' yesterday...two in one day would have been impossible in this heat.


Sunday 28 May 2017

Feeling hot hot hot in the Loire Valley



Working at 'Le Bourg' yesterday in 30 degrees was ok in the cool of the interior... 



but the garden work provided a little bit more of a challenge...phew!!










Saturday 27 May 2017

Preview of Chedigny Rose Festival' 2017 here in the Loire Valley



Yesterday we headed over the beautiful village of Chedigny to check it out before this weekend's popular 'Rose Festival'. We are preparing 'Le Bourg' today and the 'Old Walnut Mill' tomorrow for new arrivals, so will be otherwise occupied.








Disappointing to find restaurant closed for the day -  'preparing for the weekend'. It would have been nice if they had put a notice on their website! We would have to find another option.(more on that later)















A lot of people had the same idea as us and the village was busy which made taking these photographs difficult.



Now, if only cameras could record smells!



Friday 26 May 2017

Yesterday's brocante...Ferriere-Larcon


Went to the popular brocante at Ferriere Larcon yesterday under a blue sky and  summer temperature. The stalls are set up around the sports field and filter down into the the village.


As ever there was a diverse range of 'stuff' on offer...


even you very own wheel clamp - every home should have one !


Although there were other things vying for your attention!
I actually bought the very first thing we saw as we entered the brocante - six large angle brackets for €1.50 which I need for  shelving at our  project.

Thursday 25 May 2017

Brocantes for the holiday and Sunday 28th

Veretz


Brocantes / vide greniers Thursday 25th May

* Up to 50 stalls ** 50 to 100 stalls *** 100 to 200 stalls ****More than 200 stalls    ? Unknown


BEAUMONT LA RONCE  Brocante Vide-greniers ****
  
FERRIERE LARCON  Brocante Vide-greniers ***
  
LA CHAPELLE SUR LOIRE  Brocante Vide-greniers *

LA RICHE  Vide Dressing des Tourangels du Desert **

OBTERRE  Brocante Vide-greniers **

RICHELIEU  Antiquités Brocante **

VERETZ  Vide-greniers *****



Brocantes / vide greniers Sunday 28th May

* Up to 50 stalls ** 50 to 100 stalls *** 100 to 200 stalls ****More than 200 stalls    ? Unknown

BENAIS  Brocante Vide-greniers ***

CHATELLERAULT  Les Annees Vintage **

LIGNIERES DE TOURAINE  Vide-greniers *

SAINT CYR  Vide-greniers ***

SAUNAY  Vide-greniers **

SOUVIGNE  Vide-greniers ?

TOURS  Brocante BD Béranger ***

Wednesday 24 May 2017

Putting on a show...



As you drive between Barrou and La Guerche  this display of colour is on your left...lovely

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Another day...another house to clean!


Just back from getting 'Les Balcons' ready for new guests arriving tommorow...



yesterday it was the 'Old Walnut Mill'




The strawberry patch just keeps on giving...


Pauline picked these yesterday from the garden at the 'Old Walnut Mill'  while we were preparing for guests from Australia to arrive. One for them and one for us.