Sunday, February 28, 2010

Anniversary of Trottinette



The vecchia donna becomes 18 years of age - a huge age speaking in human terms. A health check last week revealed she is still alive and kicking: her values were all in the normal range except for sugar (diabetes) - and ... a bit disturbed and weird in the head sometimes. But luckily she hasn't lost her temper.



So she deserves her quiet life: almost sleeping 23 hours a day - where ever she thinks it suitable : sofa, wine boxes, chairs, doormats, etc.







But one thing she wouldn't miss for anything in the world : the pieces of cheese every morning - without exception - : with full attention and the appropriate miaows.



Sunday, February 21, 2010

Places worth visiting III



Today we visit Penne d'Agenais and Pujols in the department Lot et Garonne - some 45 km from Prayssac.

Though very small, these two places are worth the detour - lovely sights, narrow streets, nice squares and ... well, just look for yourself.

Penne d'Agenais

Penne d'Agenais is a medieval village which has been beautifully restored. It winds its way up the hill towards a basilique with a large silver dome at the top. A walk through the village - through narrow paths - reveals many beautiful buildings. The village was once part of the pilgrimage of Saint Jacques de Compostelle.



             




Pujols

Occupied since prehistoric times, and later by the romans, Pujols retains its medieval heart, with colombage houses along the main street.
There is a small central square next to the large fortified gate.
Pujols is classified as a 'Historic Monument' and is 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'. It is also one of the villages in this area situated on one of the routes of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle (the camino).


             

                          

             

             

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Places worth visiting II



Today we'll visit Les Arques, some 15 km to the north of Prayssac.

Les Arques' main claim to fame is Osip Zadkine, the Russian Cubist / Expressionist sculptor, who came to live here in 1934.
Some very nice sculptures of his are scattered throughout the village, esp. on the space outside the church.
Inside the church you can admire two other remarkable works, a crucified Christ and especially a lovely Pietà.
You can admire his other work in the museum.





On the other side of the valley, the tiny Romanesque chapel of St-André-des-Arques has some very lovely fifteenth-century frescoes discovered by Zadkine.

           

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Coldest nights of this year's winter / Places worth visiting



This week winter showed itself from its coldest side: we had the coldest nights up to now : till minus 8°.
Every morning there was a white veil over the garden and the fields - very nice.
The days however were very sunny and clear - even so that an aperitif outside on the terrace was possible (forgot to take pictures of that - please forgive me).




As the wintertime is a rather calm period I start a new series on places worth visiting and on things to do in the region - not the touristic attractions, but nevertheless recommended.

The opening is for Prayssac : little charming city with a very well visited market on Fridays and a lot of walking circuits, esp. known the dolmen route and the circuit through the vineyards.

* Prayssac center with market :

            


* circuit dolmen :

            



* circuit vineyards :