les jardins d'eyrignac

Avenue of Hornbeams

Visiting Les Jardins D'Eyrignac was one of the best things we did in Dordogne.

Avenue of Vases

French Garden

French Garden and Avenue of Hornbeams

Flower Garden

Kitchen Garden

White Garden

View of the Manor from the Enchanted Terrace

The garden, whose gardeners have some mad topiary skills, is a true work of art.

a morning walk

It's been a week since we got home from France. I miss the postcard views, the lazy evenings and long sleep-ins, but it's nice to be home again and to slowly readjust to the rhythms of reality. 

Here are some pictures of our morning walk to Les Delices, the boulangerie at the bottom of the hill. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every morning could start like this?

30

I turned 30 today. It was quite wonderful in the end.

We started easing the pain the celebrations early, on my birthday eve, with a bottle of champagne and sunset-watching on our balcony.

This morning we bought pastries from the boulangerie at the bottom of the hill, drank birthday tea and opened presents. I Skyped my parents and spoke to my in-laws. I received messages from my wonderful friends and felt very loved. I was totally spoilt by my awesome husband.

Foie gras. Of course.

We had a very long lunch at Chez Julien in Paunat. It was the most idyllic spot.

Attempting to pose for a photo whilst being mauled by a herd of dogs (seriously, this was only half of them)

When we got back to Beynac, we had a quick dip in the Dordogne before an evening stroll through the countryside where we met a real life dog lady.

It was the bestest day, and although I sometimes forget, at 30 I have a whole lot in my life to be happy about and so much to look forward to in this brand new decade (plus, I hear 30's the new 21). Also, I became an auntie yesterday. A baby niece may be the best birthday present ever.

beynac-et-cazenac

We've been waking up to this view for the past few days. Living next door to a castle is pretty sweet. The rest of the days have been spent wandering around markets, medieval castles and villages, along rivers and up steep cobblestone paths, eating croissants, walnut cake, duck, fois gras and possibly the best ice cream flavour known to man, caramel au beurre salé. Amazing.