We set out from Lespignan at 0700 and arrived at Brive in the afternoon.
We started with a guided visit of the town and the 14th century church
Then it was time to taste the eau de vie at a local distillery. Our guide, one of the owners was very dramatic and, after a tasting, did a good trade!
The next day, we set out for Donzenac, a well preserved 12th century village. The roads were steep, but we made it to the top.
Our next stop was a slate mine. We had a conducted tour and the a demonstration of how the slate is cut.
Then we went on to lunch followed by a visit to Collonge la Rouge
On Saturday, we went to the gardens of Collette.
Collette was the author of the book 'Gigi' (and of other books). Collette did not create the garden, but she did live nearby in a castle. The gardens reflect the areas of France in which she lived (and her marriages). At first sight, the gardens look as though they could use a gardener to spend time on them, but some are wilder than others and we were there at the end of the season. There is also a large maze ...
Better weather and more time would make it interesting.
After lunch, we continued to the Chateau de Pompador.
The house itself is impressive from the outside, but of limited interest inside and it soon became clear that it was all about horses.
We were taken to the stables and introduced to a large number of horses.
The roof was reached from a narrow staircase, but was impressively large when you go there.
We were taken to the stables and introduced to a large number of horses.
Our final day included a visit to Turenne, a 15th century village with an imposing castle on high. It was an impressive view, even with the cloudy conditions.
The garden is at the top,of the castle.
Finally, after lunch, we drove to a small steam railway on the old line along the valley of the Dordogne.
Below, the driver on his way to the engine.
Views along the valley
On the return journey, we stopped at a hut. They unlocked it and rapidly turned it into a shop selling post cards. When they had finished, they locked up but left some postcards out ready for the next train
Then, we headed for home and two days until our trip to L'Escala.
- Pat and John on tour
