Summer to Fall ...

As the seasons change I find myself longing for a bit more of "Summer"... We spent the first part of Summer in France and Spain this year.

The last of the leaves on our Maple tree ... 

    

                       

I do like the Autumn/Fall in Canada until the time that we must put the furnace on to add some heat to the cooler days and put the lights on earlier to add brightness to the shorter days.

Beautiful container gardening in Lagrasse, France ...

Apéros in the courtyard at Sainte - Hélène chambre d' hôte in Olonzac, France 

            

An afternoon in Bandol, France watching the boats get ready for the regatta ... in the waters of the

Mediterranean  

Fresh fruits and produce from the French markets...

Wandering tiny streets in French villages....

 

Walks high above the Atlantic Ocean in Bidart, France ...

Alfresco lunches under the shade of the beautiful Plane trees ...

Summer foods ... fresh, delicious salads ...

And so much more ... Long walks on the trails and in the parks, play dates with the grandchildren, fun in the water swimming and playing, potluck barbecues, fish frys with family and friends.

                

Soon we will be heading South for our usual escape and as Msr. Honey says " for us this trip extends the Canadian Summer that we've recently bid farewell!" 

                         What is your favourite "Season"?

Postcards from Lagrasse

#PostcardsfromtheLot#Lagrasse#Aude#LesPlusBeauxVillagesdeFrance

Can you see the rain? It didn't rain all day ... only while we were inside enjoying a delicious "menu du jour".

The day started out not promising great weather, actually the whole country of France is experiencing unseasonable, temperamental weather.

You can't do anything about the weather ... so you have to make the most of the circumstances.

After a quick visit with our landlords, Kay and Mark (who own / operate Sainte Hélène Chambre d'hôtes and rent out their amazing "French apartment" in Olonzac) ... we received some suggestions for today's outing and headed to "Lagrasse".

Lagrasse (Aude Dept) a medieval village is located in the valley of the River Orbieu at the foot of the Pyrennes ... it is a member of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" association. 

... "One of the most beautiful villages of France" it dates back to the time when the Abbey was built in the late 700's ... 

It was a day that my camera probably was thinking will she ever stop taking pictures ... so I hope I don't overload you with too many postcards?

                         

The covered Market Hall dates from the 13th and 14th centuries ... 

                  

The Blacksmith shop...

The remaining walls ...

                  

The picture above is of the cemetery within the monastery walls.

The Corbières Wine region ...

Monsieur Honey was ever indulgent and patient today ... Walking with me down the many streets and all the way around the walls of the medieval village.

Nice legs Monsieur Honey! 

Pretty lanes, pretty streets wearing many different coats of colour and some decorated with many pots of flowers ...

Love this stairway full of pots ...

Outside the café after the lunch hour ... this is a favorite of mine ... The colours of the umbrellas with the beautiful twisted plane trees in the background.

Hope you enjoyed travelling with us to Lagrasse and even on a not so perfect weather day ...

It was still a beautiful place to visit.