Roads Less Travelled

A peek down a side street.

It's funny what you can discover on just an ordinary day.

Monsieur Honey has been moaning about his hair..."I need it cut, it's grown way too fast again!"

Therefore, Tuesday morning we ventured into the village of Salviac to see if there was a Coiffure open, ready and able to provide him with service....we arranged an appointment for 1PM.

With some time (2 hours) on our hands, we wandered the village streets and then decided to go for a drive on some different roads and directions. 

A quick look at the map, and away we went through some rural areas of the Lot and crossed into the Dordogne.

We discovered a vineyard in Bouzic and a lookout tower at Moncalou in the Dordogne both worthy of visits, but we will pick a clear day to climb the stairs to the top of the tower when we will be able to see for miles and miles.

As you can see from the photos, the sky was heavy with dark clouds and threatened rain all day.

We made it back in time for Monsieur Honey's appointment.

One of the many side streets in Salviac.

Making the most of what you have....lovely garden in a tiny alley way.

 An old Café property for sale....what a wonderful courtyard you could create in this space.

Checking out the backyard gardens. Beautiful!

Not quite the Trevi Fountain....but has lots of character...can you see the lion's head spout?

In the background is the lookout tower at Moncalou...with panoramic views.  

We will go back on a clear day.

Ancient river banks.

The bunny rabbit on guard at a country house.

"Medieval Times"!

A view of Cordieliers from across the street through the trees...

The rose garden in the "Jardins Zig-Zag".

The shining sun and warm temperatures made it easy to spend Monday wondering the streets and sights of the medieval town of Gourdon.

We walked up the many steps to the "Table d' Orientation" where the Castle once stood and now 

provides a 360 degree panoramic view of Gourdon and the surrounding countryside.

We then discovered the "Jardins Zig-Zag", medieval inspired gardens on the site of ruined houses. These gardens are the result of the efforts of a volunteer group "Vertus Vertes" in partnership with the town of Gourdon.

The bandstand amidst the trees.

The first weekend in August the town is a buzz with activity and returns to medieval times!

If it's Tuesday, it must be "Laundry Day"!

Even when on vacation/holidays or living abroad you have to do your laundry...luckily I don't have to do the wash in the lavoirs. 

A lavoir is a public place in France which is set aside for the washing of clothes, usually situated on a spring or beside/ near a river. 

The use of lavoirs has steadily declined as the world became modernized with piped water supplies and drain systems. 

Some communes have restored their ancient lavoirs some dating back to the 10th century.

Our cottage comes complete with a modern washing machine and a thermal outdoor dryer (clothes line) which is visible from the road and usually catches the attention of walkers, pony riders when my "knickers" are blowing in the wind! 

The photos are lavoirs in the area that I have discovered while on my walks.

P.S. "knickers" were removed by the censor.