This inland path is meandering from river to river, through the Loire, Vienne, Creuse, Dronne, and Charente valleys. While there hasn’t been a plan or even a guide book, we have a basic map of snaking blue rivers with their most beautiful banks highlighted in green. The simplicity of this and the element of surprise around every corner has been a lot of fun.
The landscape and the villages change as we go south. From the green oak woods and strong currents of the Loire to the clear deep pools of the Dronne. From a chorus of toads each night to the cries of owls. From small gardens of organic greens to acres of vines as far as the eye can see.
Being here off peak and going inland has allowed us to experience a more quiet and peaceful side of France. (Coming from rural life in Ireland, crowds, big cities and traffic are not my idea of fun!) The back roads, rural villages and foxglove lanes of France have been a revelation. It’s the land that Starbucks and the internet forgot, so finding wifi that works here is always a challenge…..
It’s slow. There is no rush, no agenda, no destination. For two days we sit on a river bank enthralled by azure blue dragon flies in 30 degree temperatures; we swim in a swirling river pool, have breakfast under an ancient oak tree. Some days we roam deserted village streets, ramparts and flowering castle gardens. On others we pause, eat patisserie and browse French hardware shops (fascinating btw!).
I enjoyed the bit of teasing about posting a photo of myself and the camper van. (You know who you are and you know I don’t really like to do this, but OK just this once then!!) It’s a converted 5 year old VW Transporter with a pop up roof (our third camper). We had our first one in the 1970’s when we drove around Europe busking and making pavement art to fund the trip, but this one is wired and plumbed!!
While it is tiny compared with the enormous camper vans here, it allows us to travel up and down boreens that those monsters couldn’t attempt. To give you some idea, one of the biggest campers we have seen had a sliding door at the back revealing it’s very own little smart car for running around when the giant camper got too much!!!
Back on planet river bank these few weeks feel like a deep breath in the middle of the road of life. Or maybe a kind of extended date with Himself? And now I find myself wondering if this escape could go on just a little bit longer……….
You are a woman after my own heart–corkscrew, wine glasses! Beautiful photographs, and I enjoy your writing.
Thank you so much. Think you have made my day!
I think I should definitely make this escapade go meandering on for ages and ages Catherine! Sounds just delicious. I am a bit obsessed (or as my grand daughter calls it 'assessed' !) with dragonflies so this photo ticks all the boxes (don't you hate that saying?) for me. I notice that you and the dragonfly blend very neatly with the Royal Blue Vee Dub xx
Haha Jane if only life was like that? Have plenty waiting for me when I return! Well spotted on the blue…..hadn't noticed. X
it's enough to make a duck laugh?
Diana I think it did make the duck laugh! And me!
Your meander round France sounds idyllic and your photograph of the dragonfly is really beautiful.Staying a few more days sounds like a good plan to me:)
I have the luxury of a month. So I will be savouring every precious moment. X
Keep on meandering!!! And keep sharing! Love these!
Oh…sorry…to quick on the draw…wanted to mention too… LOVE the van and LOVE even more your photo and the best exercise on earth…opening a bottle of wine! Ha! Fabulous!
It's so cool that you posted the van, the wine glasses, you, the ducks….it gives us all a chance to "see" you and love you all the more for it! It all looks so bucolic. As a traveler, I know everyday is not like that, but it sure seems like you are transforming most days into heaven on earth. I love your pictures, thanks so much for taking the time to share these. I especially LOVE that pic with the farmhouse in the background and the river. Rivers are like arteries and veins through a country bringing life in the form of food, materials, people. I've always had a love affair with rivers.
Susie you have a wonderful way with words!
Wonderful picture that reflect your words beautifully.
Thank you!
Apologies for my curt answers here……wifi in extremely short supply and the iphone coverage is woeful!!
That is a lovely piece and great photos. You are making my adopted country look and sound magic.
Ah Martin that's lovely. It's such an interesting and magical place especially off the beaten track.
How I love that meander word. Wasnt I on top of Dunhill castle yesterday watching the river meandering down to the sea. You and the river have the right idea – taking time, finding your way, sparkling along through the rushes and eventually getting to the sea. lovely – enjoy your meandering for tis the very best way to travel.
Wondering Agnes…..it's a word I associate with you alright!! Meandering it seems can just go on and on…..not sure there is such a good word for returning home though? It's a whole other energy……..x
Ahh, I felt as if I were on the riverbank with you. That peaceful, quiet, calm vacation sounds like my kind of vacation! What lovely places you meandered to.
That camper van looks cozy and this meandering journey a blissful time that I am enjoying through your lovely words and photos.