First Visit to Chalais - Day 5

This was our first non-working day and breakfast was a staggered affair during which Geoff arrived and joined us for a coffee. He was on his way to Chalais and offered myself, Dave and Michelle a lift in his car, which we accepted eagerly.

Chalais was bigger than I had expected and was busy with Friday morning shoppers. We made our way to a charming little Marche de Fermier which sold an attractive selection of local produce including cognac, honey, farm-reared chicken and even tagine crocks for making Morroccan lamb stews.

Before returning to Brossac, Geoff kindly drove us to the chateau, the central courtyard of which could be accessed by the only drawbridge in Eurpoe still in working order. We wondered at all that had happened there over the years and the tales the walls might tell if they could. There had been storm damage to part of the roof and so the inner sections were closed at the time of our visit, although there was a restaurant with a small outside terraced area open to visitors. The chateau was certainly in a commanding position on a hilltop overlooking the town and affording panoramic views over the rolling countryside beyond. Quaint traditional houses nestled safely in the streets on the approaches to the chateau.

We took a scenic route back to Brossac where Geoff invited us to visit his home for coffee and some of the delicious almond-filled pastries which we had bought in Chalais. We returned to La Giraudiere and spent a quiet afternoon, while the more energetic indulged in some football practice as a build up to the tournament on Sunday.

The evening was spent watching Brossac football team play against a neighbouring team from Barbezieux. Unfortunately we didn't win but we did enjoy an after match meal at a local restaurant and finally tumbled into bed at around 1.30am.