Bonjour! We have just returned from a deliciously refreshing two weeks in France. We flew in to Carcassonne and from there headed into the beautiful open countryside of the Langeudoc region. The fact that there are no hedges closing in the fields meant that the view stretched for miles through sunflowers and vines. Oh my, it was just what was needed after weeks of relentless rain and grey skies! The heat was so welcome- warming up our poor bones and allowing the boys to run around in shorts and bare feet. We soaked it in, so thankful that we had this time together.

We climbed steep, winding cobblestoned tracks to the castle in Foix, we ambled through the medieval town of Mirepoix, ate delicious duck during a wild thunderstorm in the vineyards and sought refuge from the heat in cool dark churches.

The children loved the prehistoric park in the foothills of the Pyrenees - a walk back through time which left us wondering at the beauty and importance of primitive art. They boated through deep underground caves and walked with giant tortoises at La Ferme des Reptiles. And the swimming- we were spoiled to have a pool- so each perfect afternoon was spent splashing and diving and screeching with the delight of the whole thing.

We ate like kings and let plenty of wine flow. We sat out late into the night chatting about everything and nothing while the silent wings of bats flew overhead, brushing past the lavender hedge on our way towards bed. For two long weeks we were looked after and pampered and nourished so thanks so much Mum and Dad for helping us to enjoy every minute!