Anyone for Cognac?

As promised, we did go to visit the town that gave its name to some pretty good Brandy.   It was about an hour and a half getting there.   Satnav advised there were congestion problems ahead and diverted us away from the heavy traffic.   What surprised us most about this was a request for us to turn left at one point.   On making the turn we found ourselves on an unmade road consisting of gravel.   I thought of turning round at the first favourable point but by the time one came we were half way down the track.   I drove very slowly on this loose surface and found that once it crossed an intersection we returned to a normal road.

Eventually, we arrived in Cognac.   The town did not over-impress us but there was a lovely river flowing through so we said we would give it a try.   Having passed through the town centre (or centre-ville) we turned back and turned down by the lovely bridge over the river.   There was a large car park which stretched right along the river bank but no spaces.   We turned round and made our way through a series of narrow winding streets in the old town until we were back on the main road.   In the centre was a roundabout and we turned back again.   This time we found a space on the roadside and paid to park there.    Just back along the road we found a café/restaurant and had croquet monsieur for lunch.  

Next we  went back down to the river and found a parking space just outside the Henessey Cognac factory.   Like most French rivers it was in a placid setting with an attractive bridge taking the main road across.    We took some photos and Pauline got in the driving seat and we set off back to La Belle Aube.   We were back at 4.15pm and in a few minutes were in the pool!

Tonight I cooked two steaks and the result was not good.   In France we have not experienced top class beef.   When we come home we shall be able to have Welsh Black Beef - the very best!   Aberdeen Angus - eat your heart out!

Tomorrow will be our last day, and, after a little shopping in Chalais we shall go once more to Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne.   We can sit in the square and have a good lunch, pop down to the River Dronne and watch the languid flow through the trees - what a treat.   We shall, of course complete the day in the pool!