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Le pain est grand en Aubeterre

Posted on July 21, 2011 by La Giraudiere

The bread is big in Aubeterre

Sun-Day means Market-Day in the picturesque little village of Aubeterre and the faithful shoppers didn’t let a bit of rain get in their way.

Courtesy of Nico, Arnaud and Lucy, our team at La Giraudiere drove down to pay a visit and see what was on offer.

All sorts of locally produced foods were on sale alongside beautifully crafted jewellery, purses, sandles etc….the list goes on. Pretty little shops and cafés surround the market square, which combine to make a uniquely French setting.

We bought all sorts of delicacies (including the biggest loaf of bread I’ve ever seen) and headed to the river nearby for a picnic. We ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ our way through the food. Hardest part was trying to keep the paper plates on the table and I do think we lost a few flying oysters at one stage; picked up by a strong gust of wind! I reckon they made a lucky escape 🙂

Swimming in the aqua centre at Antilles followed and was rounded up by a glass of vin rouge in the local Brossac watering hole, St Bernards. Content? Me? A definite “Yes”.

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Bastille Day!

Posted on July 21, 2011 by La Giraudiere

What a super week in the French coutryside. Celebrations for Jour de Bastille were a roaring success in Brossac, with the beautiful feux d’artifice display kicking off at midnight on the 13th. It really was a visual delight! Paul and other committe members were on hand at the bar, helping to keep the thirsty crowd on the dancefloor hydrated. Myself and the rest of the team at La Giraudiere volunteered to help with the preparation of the party and were invited to dinner by the lake that night as a thank-you. Roast pork, cheese, saucisson, melon, bread, pate, wine and home-made cake were amongst the delights at the table. The food was great but for me the high-light was really feeling part of the community and experiencing the wonderful sense of generosity that is the French way of life.

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Our Mamma is leaving…

Posted on July 7, 2011 by La Giraudiere

So our bella Italien leaves La Giraudiere today. Sob, sob. Gina we’re gonna miss you. Our Mamma, and her wonderful Italian charm, warmth and beautifully dramatic accent will be sorely missed. Not forgetting those tasty salad dressings! She has gone above and beyond to fullfill her role as house Mamma. Nicole you have some big shoes to fill (size 10’s apparently)! Au Revoir notre ami. Everytime we hear that lunch bell ring we will think of you. Until next year….

: Gina playing house mere

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2011 – Great Season So Far

Posted on June 29, 2011 by La Giraudiere

This generation's Van Gogh

Bonjour Folks!
Please excuse my radio silence of late…we’ve just been so busy with renovations at La G that the blog has been put on the back burner somewhat. Hoping to have this addressed over the coming weeks with regular posts to keep you updated on all new developments here at La G. Will throw in a few anecdotes for good measure too 😉

We’ve had a superb season so far with lots of interesting characters come and gone. Tslil, our first visitor for 2011 summer season, leaves this Saturday and it’s with a tinge of sadness that we bid her Adieu. Here’s a rare picture of her hard at work (only joking madamoiselle!).

The good news is that, due to efforts of Tslil and the rest of the team, we are close to finishing another first floor apartment, complete with kitchen, bathroom, three new bedrooms and it’s very own balcony. Wit-woo! The grand unveiling should take place within the next two weeks….so watch this space.

A bientot,
Paul