Arrival at La Giraudiere - First Impressions

Our flight from Luton touched down in Bordeaux on a mild, grey day in early May, destination La Giraudiere in rural Poitou Charente. Our host, Paul had kindly arranged for one of his ex-pat friends to collect us at the airport and we were soon speeding along in the evening rush hour, travelling northwards through the Charentaise countryside, on an interesting and somewhat mysterious six-week adventure.

To begin with the countryside was flat, but pleasantly leafy and verdant, against which the pale cream stonework of the characteristic Charentaise houses, with their red pantiled roofs and coloured shutters, stood out. We turned off the motorway and passed through a number of sleepy villages, tidy and well maintained, but to all intents and purposes appearing deserted. Gradually the road began to undulate and soon we were driving along narrower roads lined with the remains of forests of old oak and pine trees.

Finally the car drew into the driveway of La Giraudiere, easily recognisable from the website where we had originally found out about the venture. Geoff, our driver, introduced us to Simon, the first of the party of six to arrive. Our host Paul had gone to Angouleme to collect another of the party, Michelle, who was travelling from the USA, He had however instructed his trusty black labrador Sidney, to give us a warm welcome and Sidney did not disappoint. He was to become a great favourite with the group.

Paul soon arrived and we enjoyed a pleasant evening in true French style over a meal and a glass of wine. Then it was off to bed after a long day of travelling and taking in the sights and sounds of Charente.