Another Day In France, But With A Different Ending

My wife is too drunk to write the blog tonight, so I have been delegated to fulfil the daily duty. We opened a bottle of the finest regional Rosé that one can buy for under €2 for dinner, and after only one glass, she is a mess!!

The day started with what was an early departure from our campsite at 9.30am. We were sad to leave because the facilities were so good, but one has to move on. We headed to Perigueux and market day as recommended by the Fodor guide book (not a brand of guide book we would buy again….lesson learned). You’ve probably guessed it; we found another old town on a hill, but it was different again and very picturesque.

 

The market was certainly different as it spreads over many squares and streets. What one does wonder is why, when everybody is working during the morning, only the pensioners, unemployed and tourists (who are not many) are around to buy anything! At lunchtime, when you would think the workers might want to make some purchases, all the shops and markets shut promptly at midday; the shops for two hours (or maybe longer) and the markets close down completely. We did our bit and bought big red strawberries and some bread.

 

Anyway, Perigueux had lots of narrow winding streets and an amazing cathedral.  It was different to anything we had seen earlier on our trip; an unusual layout and stark inside, but outside the byzantine style gave it an Islamic appearance. It reminded me of St Sophia in Istanbul.

 

As lunchtime was upon us and France was closing down for its statutory two hours, we headed south. We drove down to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac in search of a campsite with a pool.  We are now entering the area known as the prehistoric capital of France.  It is abundant with caves similar to the Jenolan caves in Australia but with cave paintings. However, much to our disappointment, the originals at Lascaux are now closed to the public and they have made copies in an adjoining cave, so we’re not sure that we want to see a copy painted in the 1970s.

We did however find another very fine campsite at Camping La Riviere. This time with an infinity pool, restaurant and bar; Laura will not be going there tonight!!!

 

And tomorrow is our 20^th wedding anniversary, perhaps hangover and all, so who knows what the day will bring.  Will Laura be capable of riding her bike to explore the exceptional scenery, or will the day be spent by the pool in recovery position for one or both of us?