Thanks again for your comments. Wise words, Andy. I've passed on your detailed Greek economy analysis to the European Central Bank and so far so good.
Enjoy your Wimbledon day, Deb. Hope it's not too hot next week. The weather has just broken here. A shower of welcome rain having suffered some readings over 40c.
Thanks also for Dave and Sue's comments, by email, and pointing out that Royan doesn't exist. I meant Royat. They are also 2 other people who have visited El Rocio.
Our tour has now led to Chalon sur Saone which we visited a couple of years ago but had hoped this year to take a few lengthy cycle rides along the river and nearby canal. River Saone with town in distance below.
Couldn't resist probably the final bird picture of the trip. Heron ready to pounce.
A nice church in the main square and in line with my commitment to healthy eating and recognising raw is healthy, enjoyed a Boeuf a la tartare. I'm sure raw meat must count. Anyway it was served with raw egg, raw onions and raw gherkins. So it was only the chips which were cooked. Pauline enjoyed the roast veal so a very tasty meal all told.
Sadly the weather was just too hot to cycle as far as we wanted but a little way down the river found us a nice picnic spot. Water on the table here but this area produces some very tasty bottle conditioned beer so it was a nice change after so much ordinary lager.
Onwards to Epernay, the home of champagne. We took a visit to a small producer, Girost-Moussy in the village of Congy which farms only 4 hectares. Absolutely charming family run affair
Cellar visit
And tastings with the winemaker and host Sebastien.
And then to the larger producers in town, de Castellane
And Mercier with its huge history and vast cellars.
Which included elaborate sculptures in the miles of cellars and employing hundreds of staff just below ground.
Inevitably we had to have a bottle from each which were all good value and still to be drunk.
We were also lucky to meet two new Australian friends, Jack and Shelley, who we hope to see in future. It's funny when you move from site to site you always chat with neighbours but rarely see them again. Hopefully this time we will meet again in UK or Australia.
We are into our last week and the final post next week will cover our visit to Reims and into Belgium.
So one last Cathedral, Deb, and some good Belgian beer.
A bientot,
J&P
Have never been able to appreciate the delights of steak tartare so I'll take your word for it, Jez, but I'd be with Pauline with the veal.
ReplyDeleteJust watching the first session of The Ashes series. Wimbledon trip tomorrow although a tube strike us going to make that a little less fun!
Enjoy your last leg,
Deb