Magical Mystery Tour

After our delicious feast for lunch, our new friends gave us an amazing tour high above the city of Cahors. 

From the top of Mont St. Cyr looking over the railings ...we viewed the medieval city of Cahors, the capital of the Lot Department that is tucked in a nook in the bend of the Lot River and surrounded by water on three sides. The city is famous for its old streets and an unusual fortified Medieval Bridge.

On a different route back home, we discovered another surprise ... the restoration of an old brick factory (Briqueterie) and the development project of a community of Eco- friendly homes in Boissieres. 

                             

                                               

    

                

                                                  

The scenic drive through the country side continued as we headed back to the cottage.

A massive wisteria...must have been beautiful when it flowered.

Green, green pastures....

A French Mother's Day ...

Today my prayers for sunshine were answered. 

Even the lizard was happy... sunbathing in the warmth of today's sunshine. 

Today, the French celebrated "Mother's Day" and the restaurant at "Le Clos Grand" near Cahors was full with families honouring their mothers.

We enjoyed a wonderful culinary experience for lunch.

We were offered a three-course dinner of a starter, main and dessert.

With our aperitifs, we were served amuse bouche (single bite-sized hors d'oeuvre selected by the Chef) of melon and prosciutto.

Next, there was a choice of six starters, we all chose seafood dishes which tantalized our taste buds.

The ladies both chose the "Skewer of grilled shrimp and calamari"... absolutely delicious!

Monsieur Honey chose the "Seafood salad with shrimp, mussels, smoked salmon, whitefish"

Grilled Calamari was Monsieur Guy's selection.

At this point, this would have been more than sufficient to satisfy my hunger, but there was more.

Next there was a choice of seven different main dishes.

I continued with the seafood theme.... A platter of four different grilled fish...

Monsieur Honey chose ... Duck Confit 

And then dessert... If you know me well, I always have room for the sweet things!

It was hard to choose what to have, so I went for the surprise...a plate of three delights..mini treats of

Rum Barbar, Crème Brûlée, and a Crepe with Chocolate Sauce.

                                      Fresh strawberries and Chantilly... 

                                            It is the season in France.

                               

If you haven't tried this restaurant or you are in need of a room...give this Hotel / Restaurant a try..

Le Clos Grand

12 rue des claux grands

Laberaudie - Pradines

46090 Cahors

Tele: 0565350439

 

E-mail: www.closgrand.com

 www.leclosgrand.fr.

               

     

Thank you to Madame M and Msr. Guy for sharing the day with us!

Please note the interior photos were taken when the patrons had left, so as to not interrupt their celebrations and privacy.

Just Another Friday

Some days you just have to do anything to get through the dull, dreary weather....today was one of those days...although we did see more sun than rain today.

Off to town early this morning to restock the wine cellar and food larder.

First stop....a visit with our friendly wine merchant, Msr. Thierry at Le Domaine des Vins.

Some wine and a special treat of chocolate covered nuts.

Second stop...the wonderful decor/gift shop... "Un Certain ... Regard" with our chair measurements in hand to inquire about fabric we had previously seen.

This fabric will be used to have cushions made for the Mission style chair that Monsieur Honey made a few years ago.

After some calculating and discussion, the order was placed and will be delivered in time for our departure.

While there, I in "Grandma mode" strolled through the children's room filled with wonderful stuffed bears and lambs ...to feel a little closer to her wonderful grandchildren back home ... a little homesick today.

Third stop... Drive thru Payrac, Loupiac and the surrounding countryside, here we saw yet another gariotte in the village square of Loupiac...this one I believe was recently built and definitely suitable for a fort or playhouse.

Fourth stop... Lunch at The Promenade

Fifth stop... The Supermarket for some grocery shopping.

Back home for a few hours, hoping the laundry would dry before the next rainfall...

Dinner this evening at La Central in Gourdon with a group of "Belgian Connection" friends ...fun night.

Dame Blanche for Madame M and the poached pear dessert with ice cream and chantilly that I had at lunch means walking will be on the menu tomorrow.

P.S.  we managed to fit in a fast paced walk today (Saturday afternoon).