Last days in France

We’ve had the loveliest last few days in France.

In Montmorillon, we walked to Rue de la Fuie, to deliver some chocolates to Madame Bartoli and Madame Martine, who were both so friendly and generous with their time and their enthusiasm, in spontaneously showing us around the house on the river. While we’ve decided not to buy that particular property, we loved spending time with them and wanted to show our appreciation somehow. If we could have them as our neighbours in whatever property we do buy, it would be wonderful. They are both such sweetie pie’s. And, as neither speak any English, it would improve my French no end!!

We had that second coffee with Petra and the time spent together was just as much fun as the first. She is a lovely person and we’ll be keeping in touch, that’s for sure.

We had lunch with Hazel and Iain, in their house in Haims. Along with Rosie, plus another friend, Paul, we had a great afternoon, sitting in the sun, drinking wine and laughing. Life doesn’t get much better, really.

We visited Rosie and Huw’s current house, right in the middle of Montmorillon, facing directly onto the Place du Maréchal Leclerc and with views from the back, over the river to l’Eglise Notre-Dame. An old pharmacy in another life, Rosie and Huw have recently created a gorgeous one bedroom apartment on the ground floor, which they rent out. I think it’ll be hugely popular, as it is lovely. Up a beautiful oak staircase, their own accomodation has big windows, big rooms, character to burn and just a lovely feel to it, in part because of the age of the building, but also because of the people who now live there. They love it and we did too.

We didn’t have the BBQ with Anna and Thierry, unfortunately, but as Thierry’s mother passed away unexpectedly, their lives changed and so did their plans. We’ll keep in touch though and maybe that BBQ can be at our French property, next time…

We left a Montmorillon with heavy hearts. We’d settled and were so sorry to leave people we felt are now friends. We decided to take an earlier train, to allow more time between the connection to our TGV link to Paris. Out of bed at the crack of dawn (possibly an understatement..), but it meant we had plenty of time to have breakfast at Poitiers, before boarding our train. When schedules have been tight, we’ve run, sweating and panicked, through both train stations and airports before, so this was much more relaxing!!!

Our driver in Paris, Victor, was waiting for us at Gare de Montparnasse. Victor was recommended to me a few years ago (thanks, Megan!) and we’ve used him for our last few trips to Paris now. He’s just brilliant and anyone who can negotiate Paris traffic without losing their good humour, get’s my vote. (Email: vpalimousines@gmail.com, if anyone is heading this way). We’ll see him again on Sunday, when he picks us up again for the airport transfer.

Our hotel in Paris, l’Echiquier Opéra, is delightful. Beautifully decorated in the Art Deco style, it is wonderfully comfortable and in a great location. While we do not want to leave France yet, we can’t be unhappy at all with our accommodation for our last few days.

Paris has always been, and continues to be, a busy, noisy, romantic, wonderful, crazy and surprising place. We have a great time, every time and this holiday is no different. We’ve been to the Musée d’Orsay and Sainte Chapelle on the l’Isle de la Cité, Galarie Lafayette for shopping, the Tuilerie Gardens and have spent hours wandering throughout the labyrinthine hidden passages, which hold tiny book and jewellery shops, cafés and bistros. We’ve walked many kilometres over the last 3 days, but only felt like we’ve been out for a stroll. Last night, we met our friends, Fanny and Teddy, for dinner. The bistro we went to is a well kept French secret and we’ve promised to keep it that way, so no details, I’m sorry, but I will say that we had a fantastic night with a lovely couple and ate great food, in a fabulous atmosphere. And we’ll be sure to go again, next time we are in this beautiful city.