October 8th
Everyone is up bright and early, light breakfast and much running around to sort everything out……we are on Le Boat’s doorstep at 9AM on the nose, to return keys, settle up etc. and by 9:30 AM, we say goodbye to Caprice and are on our way to Cabrerets , a village close to Cahors where we will spend a week.
An uneventfull drive leaving the somewhat bland countryside of the Canal du Midi and into hillier country mostly agricultural but also with some vineyards. On the way we visit the town of Gaillac situated on the banks of the Tarn;
…taking some time to tour the 12th century abbey and town square:
Then we went on to Castelnau de Montmiral, a bastide town (these were towns usually built on hillsides and fortified to some extent) on the crest of a hill above the Vere river. This town is rated as an MBV and certainly lives up to its billing. We walked around the town looking at the buildings which have been well-preserved, projecting a medieval feeling:
Could not resist lunch in this setting at the Auberge des Arcades, in the town square, called the Place des Arcades. As the season is winding down there was a limited choice but what we got was hearty and pleasant. No time for dessert, as time is running…..
As we drove along we saw the sign for Puycelsci and I remembered this was an MBV, so a quick detour and we are in another bastide town……beautifull setting, mini tour…
…local grocery store with a delivery schedule on a sandwich board:
…..with the ever vigilant cats staring at us:
…..and away we go. We type in Cabrerets on the GPS and Miss Charm asks if we want toll roads….we say no, and this gives her free rein to take command…..so of course it turns into a cross-country ride through hill and dale until lo and behold we are deposited in the beautiful Lot River valley and ultimately the narrower Cele River valley, Cabrerets, our home for the next week. Below our street on the side of the bluff and house we rented via VRBO.
The keys are under the BBQ and everything is as advertised. Luckily Annie insisted on stopping en route to get some supplies for the evening meal and breakfast.
The local goodie store is rather limited, although we do score half a kilo of country sausage and a fresh baguette so a country meal of pasta, bread and salad is enjoyed in this classic country house:
A good day and everyone retires for the night.