Tilburg & 's-Hertogenbosh (Den Bosch), Holland

One of the great advantages of living and/or travelling throughout Europe is the ability to visit so many countries due to the close proximity of the boarders and the various affordable travel choices of getting there. We are currently in Holland at Etten-Leur, enjoying a short holiday break.

The Cathedral in Tilburg

Venice of the North: canals underneath the houses & churches

 

Sint Jan, Den Bosch

 

Chasse aux oeufs (Egg hunt) au Château-jonc la roche faton

 Every year on Easter Monday, the owner of this magnificent 15th Century Château opens up the grounds for the children to experience the joy of an Easter Egg Hunt. Château-jonc la roche faton is just a 4 mins drive up the road from ''au pont" and a great scenic bike ride or walk if your prefer the exercise to burn off the chocolate and wine calories!

The Château grounds

Oh yes! found just a couple of eggs....

The exterior of the Château

Inside the Château courtyard

Mulled wine (vin chaud) and it was absolutely delicious!

 

Moi, volunteering to work on the day. Pete had been there all day setting up and preparing for the event. We are both on the Comité des Fêtes (the commite that organises the functions in Gourgé). It is a great way to immerse ourselves into the French way of life.

Even us adults took part in the fun

The charming village of Saint-Généroux

28 km north of Gourgé heading towards Thouars is the charming village of Saint-Généroux. Nestled  beside the banks of the River Thouet in a rural farming area.

One is welcomed by the guardian of the village, le chat. He proceeds to follow you with boundless energy and friendly enthusiasm, ensuring you explore every nook and cranny within the village.

We had lunch at the Auberge du Vieux Pont. What a delightful place! For starters we had a salad, followed by wild rice and stringray wings (which was delicious), a platter of cheeses, apple tart & ice cream and to wash all this down 1/4 litre of rosé wine. All this for 10.90 € per person.

We will be going back!

à bientôt
Peter et Donna

Thouars Markets

 Every Friday there are Markets held in the village of Thouars, which  is 35 km north of Gourgé, heading towards the Loire Valley.

Markets are held every day in different villages within the Deux-Sèvres, varying in size and stall products. Each village has is own uniqueness and you just never know what you will discover!





We went for a leisurely drive yesterday and whilst there we took some photos to temp you!

à bientôt
Peter et Donna

Fishing Season Commences

Saturday the 9th of March was the official commencement of the Fishing Season. The banks of the Thouet River and both bridges on either side of our property were lined with keen fishermen, awaiting the 'catch of the day', in particular, Trout.

We decided to skip the fishing part and went to lunch next door at Jean-Michel's with some of the fishermen. Listening to their tales, was far more entertaining! Plus lunch was delicious. It was generously prepared by Stephane, the gentlemen that manages the Auberge at Thenézay. We got so carried away with lunch and copious amounts of wine, that we almost forgot to take some pictures. Unfortunately it was later in the day and most of the fishermen had gone home to feast on their fish, washing it down with some good French wine & bread. However, we did mange to take a couple.

Le pont, the 11th Century Roman Bridge

  

No Fishermen, however the sheep look contented

The new bridge, built in 1969

The medieval water mill and the weir

A bientôt
Peter et Donna

Banquet des Chasseurs (Hunters)

Tonight we are off to the Salle de Fêtes (town hall), in Gourgé for a culinary delight. Hunting is a common sport in this region. It is well controlled and there are strict regimes for the Hunters to follow. We will let you know what the meal was like on our next blog.

Had to take a photo of the flyer as it is in a .pdf file. The menu reads:
Apéritif
Terrine de gibier (game)
Dos de cabillaud sauce crevettes (Cod with shrimp sauce)
Trou du milieu (I think this is some kind of alcoholic spirit?)
Rôti de sanglier et ses légumes (Roast wild boar and vegetables)
Salade - Fromages (Salad-Cheese)

Gâteau (Cake)

All this for 20 €. 

à bientôt
Peter et Donna