Highlights from our return to France

After nine months, we have returned to France. Although our absence was not as long as during lockdown, it was still a significant amount of time. We took our usual route, driving through the Channel Tunnel and staying overnight near Tours.

The hotel we usually stay in – dog-friendly – was closed, and as it was the school holidays, limited accommodation options were available. However, we found a bijou option, ‘Le chalet sous les arbres,’ for the night!

We travelled on a Sunday, which is not unusual for us. The roads had fewer lorries, making driving more pleasant, but there was a downside as more restaurants close on Sunday evenings.

Fortunately, a few years ago, we discovered a quirky crêperie, ‘Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude.’ The décor has a 1950s influence, but I was too preoccupied with my food to take any photos of the restaurant’s interior!

The place is dog-friendly, and Zeph is greeted like an honoured guest!
I opted for a classic ‘complète’ galette ( savoury pancake) paired with cider – perfect!

Mamie Bigoude is a franchise and the clip below gives an idea of the restaurant’s theme.

We arrived at our house late on Monday afternoon, and I felt particularly proud of myself for driving from Calais to Castelnaudary.

Usually, I share the driving with Mr FF, but due to a health-related issue, he can only drive in the UK, as he is awaiting the return of his driving licence. I’m used to driving in France, but I was still pleased to have covered the 633 miles without a hitch!.

There are certain walks that we always enjoy. One is strolling around the Canal du Midi Port in Castelnaudary.

No matter how often we repeat this walk, there is always something different to see. The barge below is beautiful.

Then there are the old streets:

Meanwhile, Zeph continues to enjoy the garden: