Last day in France

Last night we went for a walk around 7pm to try and find some air! Still 38degress in the shade – town empty but up by the castle, in the shade…..Petangue!

A village gathering – this was the place to be! Trudi you would have got excited!!!! Not my thing but great to see humans had ventured outside in the heat! Strolling around (in the shade) we found the music amphitheatre of Fumel….

And ducking between trees these ancient specimens

Having stretched the legs it was back to sleep to awaken to a cooler morning….work done and, as it is my last day in France, the boys had a plan..

First stop, buy paint for shutters, and then a picnic lunch to take to the cathedral on the top of a hill in Penne-d’Agenais….

As with all villages in this area – park at the bottom and walk up….

An ancient village on a steep hillside. At the top of the hill above the village is the substantial basilica of Notre-Dame du Peyragude, surrounded by plenty of open areas suitable for our picnic. The basilica is a 20th century construction (built between 1897 and 1948) that attempts to combine elements from roman architecture with elements from the byzantine style: not necessarily in fitting with the French Gothic with its silver dome – but amazing views of the surrounding countryside!

Not quite at the top….but she was a fairly vertical climb so needed a photo break!

And the cemetery on the top of the shill shaped like the front of a ship!

The Basilica through the trees – front side so can’t see the silver dome.

Picnic time – lighten our loads – drinks in my pack and Rols carrying the food!

The view from the basilica to the lower town of Penne-d’Agenais with our LOT river running through.

Inside the church – I had no shoulder covering so just a quick peek of the stained glass windows!

Around the back of the church and we can catch a glimpse of the silent dome!

Underground caves that, from what I could decipher, are ancient burial grounds…we could then climb up further onto the highest rocky point…

Facing the sun and looking down on the Basilica

A little obscured by trees

Here is a panoramic view from the lookout looking up the Lot et Garonne (valley) to Fumel in the distance.

It was then down on hot slippery cobblestones – baby steps so as not to end up in the sitting position!

Gardens and flowers abound this town are just gorgeous with ….

Greenery and colour!

This one we didn’t go up – but again “the plants” the cutest village!

It was then off to the next town to look for more paint (undercoat seems to be in short supply in this part of the world) Villeneuve-sur-Lot – a larger town. The equivalent of Bunnings —— but look

A toilet seat for every occasion! And other bathroom supplies I dare not bore you with!

High on my mind, as we parked and began our stroll around the old town was a coffee – a big one! Any coffees I have managed to find in this area have been Small cups, half full and barely a mouthful!

The town square – and finally a water feature that is flowing – I have seen a lot here but most not active! We sat at the far side under the arches (in the shade) and finally a flat white (large) and full to the brim! The Boys had a panache (shandy)

Walking the block down the old town streets, before the siesta time was over – not many people and lots of abandoned shops – COVID has done it’s damage in this part of the world too!

We returned around 4pm, Kev got on with prep work on his shutters, I attempted to pack a 10kg bag for tomorrows journey – gave up and had a beer, dinner (and desert)! My first train is not until 1pm tomorrow- so have time to work, zip it up, lunch and leave this magical place!