It appears that the one constant in our holidays is a Zoo. We talked through places to go today with our host, Stéphane/Stephen, and it seems that vineyard tours are generally just a small room with some wine to taste. This might be fine for some but given that Mike doesn’t drink we wanted something more… educational. Neither of us felt like spending the day wandering Chateaus so we went to the local Zoo. It’s the biggest in Europe, or something like that, and is as much Safari Park as Zoo. All the animals are outside and have lots of space to do whatever animals do.
We were fortunate to be hanging around the Coati enclosure when they were due to be fed and got a personal explanation, in English, from the keeper. The photos give a good idea of what we saw today. However, it doesn’t show the Ostriches mating, which two did right in front of us. It turns out that ‘Ostrich style’ involves flapping your arms and beating your head on your back repeatedly and the girl just lies there and eats grass.
After all this excitement we went to another of these ‘pretty villages’ Angle sur L’anglin, with the intention of stopping to have a look around. It was packed! While the rest of France is empty this place was full. We narrowly avoided pedestrians and vehicles while wondering whether to stay or go. In the end we went. From what we could see it is a lovely place but would want to see it without the crowds.
So, back to the Chateau earlier than expected. We picked up some pastries from the Chateau bakers – the baker himself is retired and only does this for such events but the food is gorgeous. Best pastries we’ve had in France. We’ll be taking some with us on tomorrow’s trek across France.
We’re looking at a 8+ hour journey. 🙁
Tonight we’re booked in at the Hotel de L’image, where Stephen’s clan have been at least once since they arrived. We’re hoping for good things but haven’t seen the menu yet.
