Friday, June 14, 2013

Moments from Montcuq

Thursday's outing took us south of Cahors to the village of Montcuq.

We met some friends for lunch at a restaurant that had been recommended to us by an American family that we met at one of our favourite cafés.

The morning started with blue skies and sunshine. 
At about 11AM the winds changed direction and cooler, misty weather arrived.

We drove through the countryside high above the Lot River on a very narrow and winding road with magnificent views over the river and valley.

Due to the poor visibility the photos do not do justice to the lovely sights.




The following photos are taken from the same location (lookout point) on a clear day last week.




Sometimes, you never know what is around the next corner...enroute to Montcuq we were surprised to discover these artistic creations.









When we arrived at the Café de France we were greeted by Christian the Maitre d'. 
Both Christian and Patrick, the proprietor were both very welcoming and attentive to our needs providing excellent service.
You can choose the menu du jour or order a la carte from the menu.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch on the terrace.
The weather was cooler, but the owner/ operator has thought of everything...with patio heaters and blankets available if needed.
Inside the comfortable and cozy dining room, there is a wood burning fireplace to keep the chill off on cool days.

If you find yourself in or near Montcuq, this is a restaurant you should try...

Café de France
5-7, place de la République 
46800 Montcuq
Email: Info@cafedefrance-montcuq.com
www.cafedefrance-montcuq.com












After our lunch, we strolled the village streets until the rain started.... 






A return visit on a sunny, warm day for an alfresco lunch or cool drink on the terrace at Café de France and some time wandering through the village lanes and streets might be in order!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

One Last Stop... Turenne, France

Turenne dating back to the 13th century is another village in France that has received the "most beautiful village" designation.
With it's towers, Turenne sits high above on top of a limestone cliff.


    The unknown village enroute to Turenne... 
    I think it may be called Ligneyrac.


    Entering the village of Turenne...








 Our tour of Turenne was damped by a downpour of rain and so our Sunday drive continued further north to the city of Brive.
 
As we entered the city we saw billowing black smoke rising high above the buildings and then the sound of sirens .... and "les pompiers" (the fire trucks) arrived.


   The Palace of Justice


   A Children's Amusement park in the Center, a mini roller coaster.


After being spoiled by all the beauty we saw in the villages of Martel, Collognes-la-Rouge and Turenne today, it was difficult to immerse ourselves in Brive-la-Gaillarde or perhaps it had been a long day and we were tiring and ready to call it a day.

...  Martel

... Collognes-la-Rouge

... Turenne

  Beautiful flowers growing out of the rocks on the roadway home!



Seeing Red

Our Sunday afternoon included a visit to Collonges-la-Rouge in the Corrèze Department.   

Collonges-la-Rouge has the designation as a "most beautiful village"!

"Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" is an independent organization that was established in 1982 by Charles Ceyrac the then Mayor of Collognes to promote the small and picturesque villages of France.
Collognes-la-Rouge was the first to receive the designation as "a most beautiful village".

This village was / is built from red sandstone....even the roads leading into the village are red.





The 11th century Church at one time housed Catholic and Protestant congregations at the same time. It had two altars side by side.


    Looking towards Heaven from inside the Church....



Upon leaving the Church, we were serenaded by two young men who were playing American Blues music.






Another tough Sunday in France....