We couldn’t leave La Romieu this morning without a photo of our hosts at Chambre d’hôtes du Perrouet and two of their many cats. Marie Hélène and her husband came on vacation to La Romieu from their home in Versailles for years. They decided to move here when they retired ten years ago. What a delicious breakfast Marie Hélène served with her own homemade jam, lemon cake, and so much more. She and her husband generously sent us on our way with bread and cheese for later.

We had enough to write about after walking for only an hour. Maybe we notice more when we’re energized after a good night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast. It seemed that everything we saw warranted a second look. We are definitely “morning people!” It’s the best time of day.

Today we weren’t imagining life as a French farmer but imagining what life might have been like for an aristocrat living in a mansion centuries ago. The free-range French hens in the front and back yards of the old mansion we passed have a pretty good life, too. Another one of today’s highlight’s was the lovely little village of  Castelnau-sur-l’Auvignon with a sad history. As a consequence of harbouring resistance fighters during World War 2, Castelnau-sur-l’Auvignon was burnt to the ground and destroyed by the Germans. Yet another highlight was the Chapelle Sainte-Germaine – a Romanesque church and a former 12th century monastery.

We are staying at Gîte et chambre d’hôtes Au Plaisir d’Etape in Condom which we give two thumbs up (or more if we had them). The dinner was delicious, the wine was flowing, and the hosts were entertaining. What fun and laughter! Now we have to come down off the ceiling and have a good night’s sleep. So even though there is so much more to say about today, sadly there is no time. 😴 💤