So that's it from France - for now...

Lea presents a kangaroo to a petit garcon whose good father saved our runaway boat while we were out lunching - merci beaucoup !

We were really lucky with the weather, but what's a little rain to true sailors.

We loved all the fromage ...

                          - so thanks goats ...

                                               - for all that chevre !

  Thanks Sancerre for the wonderful wine ...

                       - it sure was fun sampling, buying and drinking it with friends.

               We will miss the flower boxes and faded shutters ...

 Merci to my friends for your great company and all the chatter and laughter.

Thanks Boulangerie Bill for the daily baguettes and morning croissants - much appreciated !

Merci to the marvellous men in our lives for all your hard work on the ropes and the wheel - and most of all for your good humour !

We will miss the trees and the green fields ...

   - the tranquil waters of the canals ...

            - and those long evenings and night skies.

           Au Revoir France - you sure have a lot to offer.

 Farewell good ship "Nautilia" - it was fun sailing on you.

  We made a happy gang of travellers who made the most of every minute.

But mostly I would like to say THANKYOU John for making it all flow so smoothly.
With love and appreciation,
From Jo  xx

Another win for Braize !

We hopped on our bikes again and rode to the charming hamlet of Apremont - and what a special find it was !
Braize had read it was one of the most beautiful villages in France and we all teased him that it probably wasn't ...

 Lea and Geoff were truly delighted with the gardens - here she is admiring a bed of colourful cosmos.

The star attraction of this tiny town is its incredible Parc Floral - worth a visit for any true garden lover.

This section is a tribute to the White Garden at Sissinghurst in Kent

                   Loved the cheery pink hollyhocks ...

... and the splendid blue delphiniums.

My very favourite rose buds on the Cecile Brunner bush.

                           Heaven on earth!

You were right Braize - it truly is one of the beautiful villages of France ...

Words, words, words

Just had to mention another fantastic place we visited along our busy, yet still highly relaxing, canal trip through the Loire Valley. This region is Bourgogne ( or Burgundy ) and is known by the French as " south of the rain and north of the heat".
The village is called Charite -sur- Loire and is known as one of a few "cities of books" in France which hosts several writer's festivals and classical concerts throughout the year.
As you pass through the arch of the 12th century priory church you enter a community of 6, 500 people managing to keep this historic town alive.

                Typical of the antiquarian book shops.

                     The healthiest geraniums I have seen.

The Saint - Croix - Notre - Dame church began in the 7th century and was home to the Cluny monks who showed great generosity to the pilgrims on their way to Spain's "Santiago de Composaela"and so the name of the town was changed from Seyr to Charite.

A beautiful reflection.

 All over the village the walls are painted with literary translations.

                 The happy travellers - once again !

On your bikes ...

A somewhat blurry photo as it was taken by a passing gentleman who had never used a camera !!!