Sorting the mailman's problem...

Not for the first time,our letter box in Le Grand Pressigny was used the other day to 'sort' the local mail delivery service's problem in finding les anglais. This time it was addressed as Barrou so not sure why they put it in our LGP box but as it happened we knew who the person was and where he lived,neither in Barrou or Le Grand Pressigny as it happens. The last time it was someone who had lived near Chaumussay but had moved elsewhere...we knew where. Glad to be of assistance. 

Joyeuses pâques

Something for the weekend...eggs and tartan

Week-end de Pâques

http://www.chateau-brissac.fr/Brissac2013/GB_oeufs.html

This weekend can be fun for children and lovers of chocolate with most of the chateaux have their own egg hunts. Check here for when and where plus what else is on...

Loches becomes Scottish for the weekend...steak tartan on the lunch menu?

see programme here

For gardeners there is the 'Festival of Plants and Hens' (yes hens) is on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10.00am to 7.00pm at the Chateau de Bourdaisière,

An opportunity to attend a gala 'Cadre Noir' at a bargain price!

Friday sees the opening of the 2016 season for the famous equestrian spectacular the 'Cadre Noir' in Saumur. As it is the opening performance they are offering a ticket price of 15 euros,so if you haven't experienced it,this might be a good time to try it.

Through rosé coloured glasses...

Pauline and I did the visit to Tours yesterday along with our friend Dave,lunch then a spot of wine-tasting...

and although through rosé coloured glasses the city was looking resplendent in these early days of spring.

On the way back down we visited the small troglodyte chapel of Notre Dame deLorette in the Vallée de Courtineau as Dave had never been

Something else for the weekend...

Website

Up to Tours for a spot of wine tasting...

Pauline and I are heading up to Tours on the bus on Saturday to sample the 2015 vintage from the winemakers of Bourgueil...all welcome.

A ton of work...

Never really thought much about the expression 'a ton of work' but it has hit home over the last couple of days as we have been filling this large sack with weeds from the garden at 'Le Bourg'.The problem now is how to get it onto the trailer!

Off and running...well perhaps a light canter

Said goodbye to our first guests of the season this morning...stayed at 'La Belle Vue' and happy to report, enjoyed their time here in Barrou. Enjoyed their visits to Loches and to Villandry as well as trying out a bit of fishing on the Creuse.They also had fun with Willie and Sandra at the bar/restaurant.

View of Royal Lodgings from the public Park in Loches

Gardens at Chateau Villandry

Another little bit of progress...

Because we are lucky enough to get a lot of 'long-haul' guests to our rental houses here in the Loire Valley we think it is important to provide laundry facilities.  Living out of suitcases and in hotels, an opportunity to freshen up your travel gear and have a home from home experience can be a welcome change.

Above is the laundry room in the 'Old Walnut Mill' which has just been given a new tiled floor (courtesy of friends Jane and Peter) and freshen up for the coming season.

Loire Valley...international arrivals gate

Gate to the Old Walnut Mill, our gite in Barrou...it has seen Australians,Americans,Irish,English,Scots,Canadians, New Zealanders,Spaniards,South Africans and Slovakians pass through it in the past.
http://www.loireholidayhome.com/

La Roche Posay and 'faux amis'...

As we had appointments for check-ups at our dentist in La Roche Posay yesterday we also had a wander around the market. It was a beautiful day, nice to see blue skies again.

Also popped into their tourist office to pick up copies of this year's copy of 'La Vienne' for our gites

This year's copy features a good article entitled 'Medieval odyssey' highlighting the area's rich heritage.

'Faux amis'

It felt a little strange telling my French dentist that one of my teeth was a little 'sensible' (unlike me).

First foot...

Our first guests of the season arrived here in Barrou at 'La Belle Vue' and as you can see they were welcomed by a rather pleasant day. They have chosen here in Southern Touraine as their base to explore the Loire Valley.

As we were settling them in this was the view from their balcony...thank you mother nature.

Thankfully bookings are also coming in steadily for the other houses  

More progress at the Old Walnut Mill...

 

We have just finished upgrading the downstairs facilities at the 'Old Walnut Mill' which means the major works are now complete and the house is ready to receive our first guests.

We had already installed a new shower room upstairs and reconfigured the main bedroom

Main bedroom

A serious case of deja vu...

Went,against my own advice,along to Chaumussay last night to listen to some 'Hillbilly' (yes,honestly)Cajun, Bluegrass music with friends. Glad we went as although a bit bizarre it was fun - even had us up for a square dance.

                        

The guys were accomplished musicians but would love to know how they ended up in this genre.
The one negative aspect of their 'set' was when they came out for the second half they just repeated their first half with only one new tune? Here is a taster from last night...

            

Think they should be the Grumps...but what's in a name, 'La Nouvelle Republique' changed mine to Greg James on its item re our St,Blaise day festivities.

Something for the weekend...

Before you decide...check them out onYouTube