Market Day in Chalais
Amongst the many fun things to do in SW France, the weekly markets are a must do. Brossac has a small market on Saturdays but the big one is held in Chalais on Mondays. Paul drops all the La Giraudiere volunteers off in Chalais, about a 15 minute drive from Brossac and what a feast for the eyes and senses. There are meat stands, seafood, bread, all manner of clothing, bedding (beautiful quilts), colourful baskets, books, plants, jewellery and much more. Lots of interesting things to buy on Market Day in Chalais.
Carmel Australian volunteer and Odile from Ireland with the bread and herbs purchased at the market.
In the square stands the English teahouse and this is a good place to have a cuppa or cafe au lait or a beer if this is your choice, sit under the big shady trees and have a chat with whomever happens to be at the next table. We have met a lot of interesting people, all travellers and those who have chosen to live in the French countryside for various reasons. Everyone is so friendly and all seem to be in a holiday mood. Much discussion about Brexit and speculation as to how it may all roll out. After a couple of weeks at La Giraudiere we were bumping into everyone we had met in Brossac and feeling like locals. Everyone has a good time on Market Day in Chalais.
Herbs to be planted in the garden at La Giraudiere
The train station at Chalais is a gateway to lots of interesting towns for those who want to travel around the countryside. Last weekend some of the volunteers headed off to Bordeaux and others to Angouleme. Angouleme is an interesting place to visit and has a really good museum with handsets which give a commentary in English for those whose French is at beginner standard. A couple of us who had got the train back to Chalais from Angouleme were sitting under the trees relaxing and chatting and it wasn’t long before the other volunteers spied us and we all got together to compare travel stories and show each other our purchases. The group who went to Bordeaux really enjoyed the city atmosphere and a tour of the wine museum.
The volunteers meet up for coffee and sharing stories of their weekend jaunts
