17th Dec - Wrap up Sth West France
Its hard to describe all that we have done, seen and felt in our 4 weeks in St Sornin and more particularly the Charente-Maritime region. On the one hand we have seen virtually everything it has to offer in the winter season (given a lot of things close). Whilst on the other hand we have barely scratched the surface and there would still be plenty to explore.
At first it was a real culture shock, being in such a small hamlet after complex, vibrant and dynamic European cities like Berlin, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. As real city-folk we wonderd how we would cope. But after just a few days, with the help of Annick and Keith's friends, we really felt welcomed and started to enjoy the pace of life here. Our houseswap couple, Annick and Keith, had let their village friends know about our visit and they offered, not only insight into the best places to visit and what to do, but also invited us to their homes for an aperitif or took us to the local St Sornin Christmas Chorals Telethon and so we felt part of the village life (in a minor way).
In terms of what we have actually done or seen, its driving 3000kms through quaint villages and towns in the region (including side trips to Bilbao Spain 1100kms, Bordeaux 350kms and Rostrenen -Brittany 800kms return). Lots of sunning architecture, from a Roman amphitheatre in Saintes to an 11thC fortress only 500m down our road just outside St Sornin, to strange lantern like towers to represent the 'fallen soldiers' in Fenioux and amazing churches in Gallo-Roman, Romanesque and Gothic styles in nearly every village. This area of France is also very special to Catholics and there are several important towns on the way to Santiago di Compostela in Spain. Some of the abbeys, crypts, churches and other Catholic icons are in perfectly restored condition and give us great insight into life hundreds and thousands of years ago.
Chateau Roche Courbon with Tam
We have also enjoyed the food, wine and gatromonic cultural events, including visiting many Christmas markets, which are geared more around food, wine and cognac/pineau de charente (cognac blend with a lighter flavour) than crafts, antiques or collectibles. We visited the 'Marche de Noel' in St Sornin, Rochefort, Jonzac, La Rochelle, Mornac sur Seudre, Bordeaux and many smaller towns as well. They may have as many as 50 stalls or as few as 15 but are a obviously a great cmmunity get together for the townspeople who live permanently in their own village or city throughout the winter months.
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Bordeaux Region
Bordeaux city gate
Mark and Tam at Futurescope (3D glasses)
Futurescope buildings
Romamesque church
Jonzac castle
On Saturday, we travlled to Brittany (Bretagne) region to visit someone I met 14 yrs ago in New Caledonia. Valerie now lives in northern France (Rostrenen) with her husband Christophe and we shared an early Christmas with them. They made us some beautiful and typical French cuisine, including Beef Bourguignone
Anf finally, a big thank you to our friends in St Sornin who made our stay so special. You're welcome in our home at any time.
Mark, Alan and Nicole
Dominique, Herve, Tam and Nicole
At first it was a real culture shock, being in such a small hamlet after complex, vibrant and dynamic European cities like Berlin, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. As real city-folk we wonderd how we would cope. But after just a few days, with the help of Annick and Keith's friends, we really felt welcomed and started to enjoy the pace of life here. Our houseswap couple, Annick and Keith, had let their village friends know about our visit and they offered, not only insight into the best places to visit and what to do, but also invited us to their homes for an aperitif or took us to the local St Sornin Christmas Chorals Telethon and so we felt part of the village life (in a minor way).
In terms of what we have actually done or seen, its driving 3000kms through quaint villages and towns in the region (including side trips to Bilbao Spain 1100kms, Bordeaux 350kms and Rostrenen -Brittany 800kms return). Lots of sunning architecture, from a Roman amphitheatre in Saintes to an 11thC fortress only 500m down our road just outside St Sornin, to strange lantern like towers to represent the 'fallen soldiers' in Fenioux and amazing churches in Gallo-Roman, Romanesque and Gothic styles in nearly every village. This area of France is also very special to Catholics and there are several important towns on the way to Santiago di Compostela in Spain. Some of the abbeys, crypts, churches and other Catholic icons are in perfectly restored condition and give us great insight into life hundreds and thousands of years ago.
Chateau Roche Courbon with Tam
We have also enjoyed the food, wine and gatromonic cultural events, including visiting many Christmas markets, which are geared more around food, wine and cognac/pineau de charente (cognac blend with a lighter flavour) than crafts, antiques or collectibles. We visited the 'Marche de Noel' in St Sornin, Rochefort, Jonzac, La Rochelle, Mornac sur Seudre, Bordeaux and many smaller towns as well. They may have as many as 50 stalls or as few as 15 but are a obviously a great cmmunity get together for the townspeople who live permanently in their own village or city throughout the winter months.
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Bordeaux Region
Bordeaux city gate
Mark and Tam at Futurescope (3D glasses)
Futurescope buildings
Romamesque church
Jonzac castle
On Saturday, we travlled to Brittany (Bretagne) region to visit someone I met 14 yrs ago in New Caledonia. Valerie now lives in northern France (Rostrenen) with her husband Christophe and we shared an early Christmas with them. They made us some beautiful and typical French cuisine, including Beef Bourguignone
Anf finally, a big thank you to our friends in St Sornin who made our stay so special. You're welcome in our home at any time.
Mark, Alan and Nicole
Dominique, Herve, Tam and Nicole
posted by Most Liveable at 9:43 PM
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