September 2013 – France

Despite the fact that Annie was suffering from her sprained ankle, possibly a broken little toe on the other foot and an arthritic knee, we decided to continue with our planned trip to France.  However, camping was not an option and walking was going to be much curtailed if possible at all.  We contacted the campsite owners who let us hire one of their 6 berth luxury mobile homes.  The setting was idyllic and the idea of a proper ensuite bedroom and lounge area appealed greatly.  

 As it was, the weather turned out to be pretty grim with rain on almost every day – only the duration and intensity varied!! We were both surprised at how we filled our time exploring the Correze region of France about 50 miles south of Limoges.  Having visited the area last year, we returned to our favourite places but found several other gems as well as a couple of walking centres for when Annie’s fitness returns! Our campsite was 8km from the lovely town of Uzerche.  This year we explored the old railway line that is now a footpath and really appreciated the view of the old town on the other side of the river.

  Then we found the beautiful mediaeval town of Turenne situated on a hill.  The streets were narrow and the houses full of character – a lovely place to wander around. Then there was Argentan an old trading town on the banks of the Dordogne.  The buildings on the cobbled quays area on the bank of the river were built as houses.  However the occupants lived on the first and second stories as the ground levels often flooded.  Because of the steepness of the banks they were able to leave their houses via their back gardens during the floods!

We also found the 295 feet  high viaduc de Rochers Noirs  a railway cable stayed railway bridge opened in 1915 and closed for railway use in 1959.  The steep slope on one side of the bridge required a masonry tower 150 feet in height and the main span is 459 feet.  I was fascinated by the fact that on one side the bridge led straight into a tunnel – which came first the bridge or the tunnel? How did they get access to build the tower that side?

We also came across other memorable sites including this bull a couple of metres away from us, the only barrier between us being a flimsy strand of electric fence.  The Bull did not even seem to notice us! This old bicycle seemed totally in keeping with its surroundings and the little figure set in the side of the house did not seem at all odd.

 

The weather may have been less than perfect but we enjoyed the wine, cheese, French bread and some delicious meals out.  More importantly, by the time we came to leave Annie was able to walk a little more easily.

Despite everything we had a really good time.