France, Part Deux.

check out photos here


Hmmm. The Dordogne River valley and its surrounding chateau and castles are simply amazing.

This series overlaps a bit with the Bordeaux-Arcochon-no hotel experience, but ends on a great note. We spent two days in the Dorgogne River region east of Bordeaux.

Stayed in a rather elegant chateau, with spectacular view, as you'll see. I think we missed summer - had one sunny day and the rest was shrouded in mist.

Excellent meals. Hot appetizer of pan-seared foie gras with vanilla-honey cream sauce in Beynac. Cassoulet de Canard in Montignac for lunch. Lunched Chance stop at a castle and medieval village(s), which were unplanned and fascinating.

I don't think this series covers it, but visited Chateau Brane-Cantenac in Margaux, had a private unscheduled tasting with someone (not much english on her side, not much french on ours, but she'd been working there for 25 years).

Salmon terrine with carrots and a local bordeaux bottling. Roasted lamb.

Experienced the Cave Drawings at Lascaux, which were a step back 17,000 years in time. The French do teachable historical sites/expereicnes very well. Actually, some of the best tour guides I've ever had. Even when it was in French, I sensed he was deeply knowledgeable, intelligently witty, and responsive to the questions in the tour group.

So much different that the Wisconsin Dells Duck-boats.

However, we learned that the Dordogne locals subsist on work derived from: walnuts (currently in season), foie gras (season coming up), and heavy tourism during the summer. Maybe truffle trade if they're lucky.

Interesting existence, particularly compared to those of us just passing through...
which, by the way...French highway system, from directional signs to helpful striping and signage is FANTASTIC. Love the roundabout - everything just keeps moving, and in the right directions!