We were very lucky that we had good weather for our walks yesterday as today started with heavy rain. As we moved north through lots of forest and then more open country, the weather gradually improved. We stopped at Boudeilles, with its two chateaux perched on a hill over the river below. The village was very pretty and we discovered that it had a very pleasant camperstop next to the river with views of the chateaux. The village was obviously quite a tourist attraction and was also very arty. There was a festival of art based on recycling with signs to different sections all puns on the French for ‘exposition’ – ‘Expot’ had sculptures based on old pottery and ‘Expeau’ had sculptures in and around the river.The next stop was Brantome where the town is surrounded by water. The town was positioned by the river and my guess is that the river was then partially diverted by the addition of weirs so that it surrounded the town. Across the river from the town is a monastery, now used as a very grand town hall.
We were now back into the area of prehistoric dolmens and mehirs and there were a number on or close to our route. We stopped briefly to view a couple of dolmens positioned next to a large spring that almost certainly had religious significance to the population.
We had picked another camperstop for tonight and this turned out to be another inspired choice. The large car park at Montreuil-Bellay was in the former priory garden, next to a meandering river and with a view up to a chateau and the town perched on the hill behind the priory. It was a lovely peaceful spot and we had time to wander up to investigate the town before night fell. Another highly recommended camperstop.
Photos: The watermill at Boudeilles; The chateau, river and weir at Brantome; The river at Montreuil-Bellay – the camperstop is a little way beyond the tower.
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