Kia’s guidebook

Kia
Kia’s guidebook

Quiet countryside

Abjat-sur-Bandiat is situated in the Dordogne department and Aquitaine region (now part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region), in the south-west of France at 45 kilometres from Perigueux, the department capital (general information: Abjat-sur-Bandiat is 383 kilometres from Paris). Abjat has a 12th Century church, a creperie, a boulangerie, a bar, a hairdresser and a post office. There are Fetes with food and music and Vide Greniers (car boot sales) throughout the summer.
Enjoy Boules, Pool and Archery or relax on the terrace and gardens, cool down in the plunge pool at the chateau Take strolls amidst the lakes and woodlands or venture further afield to explore the route taken by Richard the Lion Heart. Visit historic Chateau's. Relax on the beach at the grand lake of St Estephe. Visit the traditional french markets selling local produce, crafts and clothes. Spend evenings at the night markets where you can enjoy food cooked in front of you, entertainment and dancing.
Abjat-sur-Bandiat
Enjoy Boules, Pool and Archery or relax on the terrace and gardens, cool down in the plunge pool at the chateau Take strolls amidst the lakes and woodlands or venture further afield to explore the route taken by Richard the Lion Heart. Visit historic Chateau's. Relax on the beach at the grand lake of St Estephe. Visit the traditional french markets selling local produce, crafts and clothes. Spend evenings at the night markets where you can enjoy food cooked in front of you, entertainment and dancing.

Neighborhoods

Brantome is an attractive town near the northern edge of the Dordogne department, sometimes known as the Venice of the Dordogne (slight exaggeration strictly speaking) - the town has a nice mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire. The town is classed as one of 'les Plux Beaux Detours' in France. The Benedictine Abbey on the river's edge is superb and this along with the old stone bridge, weir and pretty mill now turned into a splendid hotel and restaurant all make for a very photogenic scene. Look inside the abbey as well (built by Charlemagne in 769 and the main historical highlight of the town) and at the troglodyte section behind the abbey including the famous cave of the 'Last Judgement'. These are the remains of the original abbey and during the summer you can do a night-time visit of the troglodyte section - very atmospheric. At the other end of the abbey are an attractive Renaissance Tower and the round Tour St Roch. These formed part of the defenses of the southern part of the abbey whilst the Porte des Reformes defended the northern side. The church belfry in Brantome was built in the 11th century and is the oldest to be found in France, it stands on a rocky outcrop at the bottom of a cliff. The Church of Saint Pierre is also worth admiring, with certain parts dating back to the 15th century (especially part of the cloisters) as is the bridge that crosses the river, and provides a good vantage point to admire the town. It is above all the situation of Brantome on the river Dronne, that encircles a large part of the town, and the steep wooded slopes around the town, that add most to its attraction. The river is calm and gentle at this point, covered with water lilies, and sheltered by weeping willows. It is very pleasant to walk along the edge of the river and through the river-side gardens. Brantome really is one of the most attractive towns of the Dordogne area and well worth a trip. Canoes can be hired at Brantome for a relaxing glide along the river (a favourite with adults and children). Brantôme market day is Friday and on Friday's Brantome is particularly animated and colourful! Hire a canoe for half a day or a day and enjoy this lovely stretch of the river. Visit the Peyrelevade Dolmen on the right bank of the river, a preserved megalithic monument. There is a garden to visit at Brantome - the Jardins Tranquille. This runs along the edge of the river and is very pretty. Visit the Musee Fernand-Desmoulin with works by Fernand Desmoulin a painter and illustrator of novels in the early 20th century whose paintings include a number when he was a key spiritual artist at the height of the movement. The museum is situated in the convent of the abbey.
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Brantôme
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Brantome is an attractive town near the northern edge of the Dordogne department, sometimes known as the Venice of the Dordogne (slight exaggeration strictly speaking) - the town has a nice mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire. The town is classed as one of 'les Plux Beaux Detours' in France. The Benedictine Abbey on the river's edge is superb and this along with the old stone bridge, weir and pretty mill now turned into a splendid hotel and restaurant all make for a very photogenic scene. Look inside the abbey as well (built by Charlemagne in 769 and the main historical highlight of the town) and at the troglodyte section behind the abbey including the famous cave of the 'Last Judgement'. These are the remains of the original abbey and during the summer you can do a night-time visit of the troglodyte section - very atmospheric. At the other end of the abbey are an attractive Renaissance Tower and the round Tour St Roch. These formed part of the defenses of the southern part of the abbey whilst the Porte des Reformes defended the northern side. The church belfry in Brantome was built in the 11th century and is the oldest to be found in France, it stands on a rocky outcrop at the bottom of a cliff. The Church of Saint Pierre is also worth admiring, with certain parts dating back to the 15th century (especially part of the cloisters) as is the bridge that crosses the river, and provides a good vantage point to admire the town. It is above all the situation of Brantome on the river Dronne, that encircles a large part of the town, and the steep wooded slopes around the town, that add most to its attraction. The river is calm and gentle at this point, covered with water lilies, and sheltered by weeping willows. It is very pleasant to walk along the edge of the river and through the river-side gardens. Brantome really is one of the most attractive towns of the Dordogne area and well worth a trip. Canoes can be hired at Brantome for a relaxing glide along the river (a favourite with adults and children). Brantôme market day is Friday and on Friday's Brantome is particularly animated and colourful! Hire a canoe for half a day or a day and enjoy this lovely stretch of the river. Visit the Peyrelevade Dolmen on the right bank of the river, a preserved megalithic monument. There is a garden to visit at Brantome - the Jardins Tranquille. This runs along the edge of the river and is very pretty. Visit the Musee Fernand-Desmoulin with works by Fernand Desmoulin a painter and illustrator of novels in the early 20th century whose paintings include a number when he was a key spiritual artist at the height of the movement. The museum is situated in the convent of the abbey.
Bourdeilles is a lovely village which sits on the edge of the river Dronne and boasts a chateau, a moulin (mill), a medieval centre and a panoramic viewpoint. Bourdeilles was one of the original four barronnies of Perigord founded in the 10th century. The others are Biron, Beynac and Mareuil. Its main feature is its chateau which is actually two castles. There is a fortress dating back to the 13th and 14th century and which has defensive walls and an octaganol donjon 35 meters tall. Within the walls there is also a second chateau built in the Renaissance style during the 16th century. This chateau is richly decorated and includes the 'Salon Doré - golden room' and a furniture collection of the 15th to 19th century. Inside the castle walls is a garden area laid out in traditional formal French style - avenues of trees, clipped box and neatly laid out grassy areas. For more information see Chateau de Bourdeilles. In the village look out for the 15th century maison de Senechal with its lovely steep pointy rooves. Also the Moulin Seigneurial which was fortified in the 12th century. Bourdeilles' church dates back to the 12th century and on one side there is a lovely walk leading up to it with a cobbled path flanked by lawns and simple gardens and attractive stone, medieval houses. Wandering around the village there are lots of attractive spots and a number of fine manor houses. There is a viewpoint at the top of the village which gives you a lovely view of the village and river below. Down by the river there is an attractive stone bridge which was originally built in the 14th century but had to be rebuilt in the 18th century following severe floods. Every Sunday morning it is market day in Bourdeilles at the Place de la Halle. This is a lovely day to see the village brimming with life and a good chance to buy lots of the fresh local products and local delicacies. On the edge of the village there are a number of shelters in the rocky cliffs overhanging the road which leads out to Brântome. These are called the Fourneau du Diable and are prehistoric shelters. There are several on the edge of the village.
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Bourdeilles
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Bourdeilles is a lovely village which sits on the edge of the river Dronne and boasts a chateau, a moulin (mill), a medieval centre and a panoramic viewpoint. Bourdeilles was one of the original four barronnies of Perigord founded in the 10th century. The others are Biron, Beynac and Mareuil. Its main feature is its chateau which is actually two castles. There is a fortress dating back to the 13th and 14th century and which has defensive walls and an octaganol donjon 35 meters tall. Within the walls there is also a second chateau built in the Renaissance style during the 16th century. This chateau is richly decorated and includes the 'Salon Doré - golden room' and a furniture collection of the 15th to 19th century. Inside the castle walls is a garden area laid out in traditional formal French style - avenues of trees, clipped box and neatly laid out grassy areas. For more information see Chateau de Bourdeilles. In the village look out for the 15th century maison de Senechal with its lovely steep pointy rooves. Also the Moulin Seigneurial which was fortified in the 12th century. Bourdeilles' church dates back to the 12th century and on one side there is a lovely walk leading up to it with a cobbled path flanked by lawns and simple gardens and attractive stone, medieval houses. Wandering around the village there are lots of attractive spots and a number of fine manor houses. There is a viewpoint at the top of the village which gives you a lovely view of the village and river below. Down by the river there is an attractive stone bridge which was originally built in the 14th century but had to be rebuilt in the 18th century following severe floods. Every Sunday morning it is market day in Bourdeilles at the Place de la Halle. This is a lovely day to see the village brimming with life and a good chance to buy lots of the fresh local products and local delicacies. On the edge of the village there are a number of shelters in the rocky cliffs overhanging the road which leads out to Brântome. These are called the Fourneau du Diable and are prehistoric shelters. There are several on the edge of the village.
Saint-Jean-de-Cole is a medieval village in the north of the Dordogne near to Brantome. It dates back to the 11th century. St Jean de Cole has been officially classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France (les plus beaux villages de France). A charming village with ochre coloured houses, including many half-timbered houses, and lovely tiled roofs. Indeed the roofs once won the ‘finest roofs in France’ competition. The river Cole runs along one edge of the river and you can stop and admire it from the lovely little humpbacked bridge or the small river beach below. This stretch of river is very green and tranquil. The village square, the Place de Saint Jean, is flanked on one side by the 12th century Chateau de la Marthonie. The castle has a XVth century part made up of towers and a donjon and is quite austere and added to this is a XVIIth century wing in a much softer style, built over a series of arches. One of its most famous residents was Mondot de la Marthonie who was a counselor to the Queen Mother of Francois I. He also built the nearby Chateau de Puyguilhem. On another side of the square is the Romanesque Byzantine church of St Jean Baptist built in the XIIth century and with a quite unusual rounded shape. Combined the two buildings and the cottage-style houses on the other edge make the square very attractive. Sit and enjoy the view over a cup of coffee at the café! Another notable building in Saint-Jean-de-Cole is the 12th century Priory and cloister. A good time to visit the village is during the weekend closest to the 8 May when they hold their annual flower fair. More than a hundred exhibitors display and sell their products and the mass of plants and flowers against the backdrop of this beautiful village is not to be missed.
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Saint-Jean-de-Côle
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Saint-Jean-de-Cole is a medieval village in the north of the Dordogne near to Brantome. It dates back to the 11th century. St Jean de Cole has been officially classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France (les plus beaux villages de France). A charming village with ochre coloured houses, including many half-timbered houses, and lovely tiled roofs. Indeed the roofs once won the ‘finest roofs in France’ competition. The river Cole runs along one edge of the river and you can stop and admire it from the lovely little humpbacked bridge or the small river beach below. This stretch of river is very green and tranquil. The village square, the Place de Saint Jean, is flanked on one side by the 12th century Chateau de la Marthonie. The castle has a XVth century part made up of towers and a donjon and is quite austere and added to this is a XVIIth century wing in a much softer style, built over a series of arches. One of its most famous residents was Mondot de la Marthonie who was a counselor to the Queen Mother of Francois I. He also built the nearby Chateau de Puyguilhem. On another side of the square is the Romanesque Byzantine church of St Jean Baptist built in the XIIth century and with a quite unusual rounded shape. Combined the two buildings and the cottage-style houses on the other edge make the square very attractive. Sit and enjoy the view over a cup of coffee at the café! Another notable building in Saint-Jean-de-Cole is the 12th century Priory and cloister. A good time to visit the village is during the weekend closest to the 8 May when they hold their annual flower fair. More than a hundred exhibitors display and sell their products and the mass of plants and flowers against the backdrop of this beautiful village is not to be missed.
If you make it to the most north-eastern corner of the Dordogne department, beyond Thiviers, you will find the delightful fairy tale castle of Chateau de Jumilhac. Jumilhac is found in a picturesque setting very suited to the castle. The especially noteworthy feature here is the roofs - an extravaganza of towers and turrets that has led Jumilhac to be described as having the most romantic roofs in France. The myriad of turrets are then further enhanced by splendid ironwork and lead creations. The interior of the building follows much the same romantic theme, and features some ornately decorated rooms.
Place du Château
Place du Château
If you make it to the most north-eastern corner of the Dordogne department, beyond Thiviers, you will find the delightful fairy tale castle of Chateau de Jumilhac. Jumilhac is found in a picturesque setting very suited to the castle. The especially noteworthy feature here is the roofs - an extravaganza of towers and turrets that has led Jumilhac to be described as having the most romantic roofs in France. The myriad of turrets are then further enhanced by splendid ironwork and lead creations. The interior of the building follows much the same romantic theme, and features some ornately decorated rooms.
Nontron is the official centre of the Perigord Vert region of the northern Dordogne, and is well placed for exploring the region. The Regional Natural parc of the Perigord-Limousin is to the north of the town. Nontron is set up high and has some excellent views over the valley of Bandiat. It has a quiet but pleasant centre with a number of interesting buildings to admire. To see columbage (half-timbered) buildings walk along the Rue Picaud or the Rue des Ecoles and walk along the Rue de Periguex for remains of the town ramparts. The town has some interesting Renaissance buildings the best of which is the Hotel d'Albret on the Rue Camille-Chabaneau. There are various sculptures on the facade and inside there is a lovely stone spiral staircase. The house was built in the 15-16th centuries for Alain d'Albret, the great-great grandfather of Henry IV. The main part of town centres around the mairie set in a large open square with a fountain in the middle. From here head past the Espace des Arts, housed in a chateau, inside are Art exhibitions and a boutique. Further on at Place Albert is the workshop and boutique of the famous Nontron knives and this can be visited throughout the year. Nontron has been making knives since the 15th century. From here there are great views across to the rest of Nontron as well as of the valley and the lovely public gardens which wind their way down the steep slope to the river below. The Jardins des Arts have various attractive contemporary creations including benches winding around a group of trees and various sculptures. The market in Nontron takes place on a Saturday morning and this is a particularly nice and animated time to visit the town. Nontron knives are famous throughout France and Nontron is one of the oldest knife-making institutions in France. The workshop is well worth visiting and whilst here it is possible to see the knives being made and engraved and polished. Table knifes and pocket knives are made here as well as cutlery sets. Famous for its classic wooden handle but more contemporary styles and designs are also made and sold in the workshop. Every year in August there is a knife festival when exhibitors from around the world come to display their knives here. This usually takes place the first weekend of August.
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Nontron
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Nontron is the official centre of the Perigord Vert region of the northern Dordogne, and is well placed for exploring the region. The Regional Natural parc of the Perigord-Limousin is to the north of the town. Nontron is set up high and has some excellent views over the valley of Bandiat. It has a quiet but pleasant centre with a number of interesting buildings to admire. To see columbage (half-timbered) buildings walk along the Rue Picaud or the Rue des Ecoles and walk along the Rue de Periguex for remains of the town ramparts. The town has some interesting Renaissance buildings the best of which is the Hotel d'Albret on the Rue Camille-Chabaneau. There are various sculptures on the facade and inside there is a lovely stone spiral staircase. The house was built in the 15-16th centuries for Alain d'Albret, the great-great grandfather of Henry IV. The main part of town centres around the mairie set in a large open square with a fountain in the middle. From here head past the Espace des Arts, housed in a chateau, inside are Art exhibitions and a boutique. Further on at Place Albert is the workshop and boutique of the famous Nontron knives and this can be visited throughout the year. Nontron has been making knives since the 15th century. From here there are great views across to the rest of Nontron as well as of the valley and the lovely public gardens which wind their way down the steep slope to the river below. The Jardins des Arts have various attractive contemporary creations including benches winding around a group of trees and various sculptures. The market in Nontron takes place on a Saturday morning and this is a particularly nice and animated time to visit the town. Nontron knives are famous throughout France and Nontron is one of the oldest knife-making institutions in France. The workshop is well worth visiting and whilst here it is possible to see the knives being made and engraved and polished. Table knifes and pocket knives are made here as well as cutlery sets. Famous for its classic wooden handle but more contemporary styles and designs are also made and sold in the workshop. Every year in August there is a knife festival when exhibitors from around the world come to display their knives here. This usually takes place the first weekend of August.
The Grotte de Villars is an impressive cave in the north of the Dordogne department near to Brantome. It is mostly a natural cave full of stalactites and stalagmites but also has a few small prehistoric drawings. Grotte de VillarsThe Grotte de Villars was discovered in 1953 by the Perigueux Potholing club. During a visit you will explore about 500m of this incredible underground network but in fact it extends over more than 13km and is the largest in the Perigord region. As you meander through the channel carved out by the river you can admire literally thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Various chambers have also been hollowed out and at one of these you can admire a sound and light show where groups of stalactites and stalagmites are illuminated rendering them even more impressive. Note that the sound and light show begins in complete darkness and then the sounds replicate the storms and rains that helped to form the caves. It is best to warn small children so they are not scared. Aswell as the natural displays in the caves there are also prehistoric paintings dating back 17000 years. Some of these are covered in the same calcite deposit that forms the stalactites and results in a kind of natural glaze. It also changes the colour of the drawings from black to blue. As well as the horse in the main picture above there is a bison and, very rarely, a human figure. In all the prehistoric cave paintings found throughout the world it is extremely rare to see a person painted. There is also a section of roof in the cave where you can clearly see the claw marks made by bears at the end of their hibernation to re-sharpen their claws before leaving the caves. A recent addition to the site is a 'Prehistoric Garden'. A two hectare park has been turned into a garden growing the kind of plants Cro Magnon men and women would have been used to. Information boards describe which of these would have been eaten, which animals would have been around and how they hunted. In the summer children and adults can try their hand at a bit of wall painting. Or try your hand at 'propeller shooting' which is the way prehistoric man 'threw' their spears. Workshops take place during weekday afternoons in July and August and are free.
Villars
The Grotte de Villars is an impressive cave in the north of the Dordogne department near to Brantome. It is mostly a natural cave full of stalactites and stalagmites but also has a few small prehistoric drawings. Grotte de VillarsThe Grotte de Villars was discovered in 1953 by the Perigueux Potholing club. During a visit you will explore about 500m of this incredible underground network but in fact it extends over more than 13km and is the largest in the Perigord region. As you meander through the channel carved out by the river you can admire literally thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Various chambers have also been hollowed out and at one of these you can admire a sound and light show where groups of stalactites and stalagmites are illuminated rendering them even more impressive. Note that the sound and light show begins in complete darkness and then the sounds replicate the storms and rains that helped to form the caves. It is best to warn small children so they are not scared. Aswell as the natural displays in the caves there are also prehistoric paintings dating back 17000 years. Some of these are covered in the same calcite deposit that forms the stalactites and results in a kind of natural glaze. It also changes the colour of the drawings from black to blue. As well as the horse in the main picture above there is a bison and, very rarely, a human figure. In all the prehistoric cave paintings found throughout the world it is extremely rare to see a person painted. There is also a section of roof in the cave where you can clearly see the claw marks made by bears at the end of their hibernation to re-sharpen their claws before leaving the caves. A recent addition to the site is a 'Prehistoric Garden'. A two hectare park has been turned into a garden growing the kind of plants Cro Magnon men and women would have been used to. Information boards describe which of these would have been eaten, which animals would have been around and how they hunted. In the summer children and adults can try their hand at a bit of wall painting. Or try your hand at 'propeller shooting' which is the way prehistoric man 'threw' their spears. Workshops take place during weekday afternoons in July and August and are free.
It is hard to believe that such an excellent place is free to visit. There is a huge free car park for both campervans and cars. Free entry to the area as well as free safe swimming and canoes. The Grand Etang is situated about 2km from Gros Puy. It is a commune owned facility which has something for everyone. There are many waymarked walks in the vicinity. There is a lovely shaded walk 3.5km around the lake itself which has information boards here and there which explain about the flora and fauna of the lake. There is a very informative tourist office on site which even has an interactive video explaining about the area. There is a cafe which is open for snacks all day as well as an excellent restaurant for lunch and dinner or even just a drink after walking around the lake. It is possible to fish in the lake (a licence is needed) In July and August there is life-guarded swimming as well as canoes which are free to use. There is also a campsite on one side. There is lots of shade in the main area with picnic benches scattered here and there. Also a fenced children's playground as well as a beach volleyball court. It's the ideal place to spend a hot summers day just lounging under the trees and taking the occasional dip to cool off! Really enjoyable whatever the weather or season. Monday evenings there is a night market where you can eat local produce and buy local wine.
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Saint-Estèphe
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It is hard to believe that such an excellent place is free to visit. There is a huge free car park for both campervans and cars. Free entry to the area as well as free safe swimming and canoes. The Grand Etang is situated about 2km from Gros Puy. It is a commune owned facility which has something for everyone. There are many waymarked walks in the vicinity. There is a lovely shaded walk 3.5km around the lake itself which has information boards here and there which explain about the flora and fauna of the lake. There is a very informative tourist office on site which even has an interactive video explaining about the area. There is a cafe which is open for snacks all day as well as an excellent restaurant for lunch and dinner or even just a drink after walking around the lake. It is possible to fish in the lake (a licence is needed) In July and August there is life-guarded swimming as well as canoes which are free to use. There is also a campsite on one side. There is lots of shade in the main area with picnic benches scattered here and there. Also a fenced children's playground as well as a beach volleyball court. It's the ideal place to spend a hot summers day just lounging under the trees and taking the occasional dip to cool off! Really enjoyable whatever the weather or season. Monday evenings there is a night market where you can eat local produce and buy local wine.
Visit the weekly Piegut Pluviers market in the Dordogne. The market on Wednesday morning has been held here since the seventeenth century. This is one of the largest markets in the South West of France. You will find everything here from artisan foods, arts and crafts, clothes and shoes to household goods right down to livestock. Whether you come to shop, taste, paint or simply look, it’s a lovely morning out. Piegut is one of our favourite markets. It’s not too far away 12 min drive from Gros Puy. It’s a weekly market and it’s big enough to fill the town, has lots of interest and attracts lots of different people. You ought to look out for the lovely snail lady and check up on the honey sellers. You should avoid the avaricious merchants of expensive cheeses though, and the scammers with puppies and small pot-bellied pigs. Everybody else is wonderful. The fruit and veg are excellent, the Charentaise melons in season are fragrant and the strawberries and raspberries delicious. You can find more or less anything here; hats to hardware, chainsaws to chickens, extraordinary pink undergarments, ridiculously cheap bargain clothes (sometimes) and lettuce plants for the vegetable garden. There are cafes for when you want a rest, patisseries for when you fancy a pastry and a world of people of all different sizes, shapes and persuasions to be looked at. It’s great fun and we never tire of it.
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Piégut-Pluviers
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Visit the weekly Piegut Pluviers market in the Dordogne. The market on Wednesday morning has been held here since the seventeenth century. This is one of the largest markets in the South West of France. You will find everything here from artisan foods, arts and crafts, clothes and shoes to household goods right down to livestock. Whether you come to shop, taste, paint or simply look, it’s a lovely morning out. Piegut is one of our favourite markets. It’s not too far away 12 min drive from Gros Puy. It’s a weekly market and it’s big enough to fill the town, has lots of interest and attracts lots of different people. You ought to look out for the lovely snail lady and check up on the honey sellers. You should avoid the avaricious merchants of expensive cheeses though, and the scammers with puppies and small pot-bellied pigs. Everybody else is wonderful. The fruit and veg are excellent, the Charentaise melons in season are fragrant and the strawberries and raspberries delicious. You can find more or less anything here; hats to hardware, chainsaws to chickens, extraordinary pink undergarments, ridiculously cheap bargain clothes (sometimes) and lettuce plants for the vegetable garden. There are cafes for when you want a rest, patisseries for when you fancy a pastry and a world of people of all different sizes, shapes and persuasions to be looked at. It’s great fun and we never tire of it.