1 & 2nd April were enlivened by a visit from Mel, James, Matthew and Sam. On the 2nd we went out to Fort Louvoir which is only accessible at low tide via a causway and is surrounded by Oyster beds. The boys enjoyed a quiz and a good explore.
Then we crossed the bridge to Ile D’Oleron where we had a very good seafood lunch which we walked off with a tour of the citadel.
5th Helen and Steve arrived yesterday afternoon and we started our introductory tour of the area with a visit to the charming village of Mornac-sur Seudre.
After a walk round the village and visiting the lovely church we stopped for a light lunch followed by a walk into the Oysterculture area.
Then it was home via the coastal road with a stop in La Tremblade to buy Oysters. The port was a hive of activity with Mussel Towers being bought ashore for seeding in preparation for the mussel season from May to October.
Needless to say the evening featured a serious Oyster pig-out!
6th Off to the lovely village of Talmond with its fortified church and pretty narrow streets.
A lovely lunch in a sunny courtyard was followed by a walk along the clifftops with views of vineyards and the carrelettes (fishing huts on stilts)
7th. What a difference a day makes. Following the glorious warmth and sunshine of yesterday, today dawned cooler and cloudy. We went to explore the fortified C16 village of Brouage. One of my favourite spots where I seem to discover something new everytime I go. We were lucky enough to get our money’s worth before the rain set in. We ate our picnic in the car and headed home.
The obligatory photos in the communal latrines of Brouage!
With the wonderfully good weather the opportunity arrived to finish off the roof on the terrace and then enjoy sitting out with a book and the wight and scent of the Wisteria creeper that climbs over it.
23rd. Cycled into Royan today to get tickets for Jon and Nikki for a visit to the lighthouse in the bay in their June visit and to investigate the mooring possibilities in the Port. I am on a mission to try and find somewhere suitable for Helen and Steve to bring their boat to for some future winter. The outer harbour seemed quite roomy.
capetocarpe 