Gironde

Ted. After spending 2-1/2 weeks exploring Dordogne/Périgord, it was time to drive west to the nearby state of Gironde. This area is part of the old province of Gascony (as in D’Artagnan) which was part of an even bigger area known since the Roman times as Aquitaine (as in Eleanor of Aquitaine). The city of Bordeaux and the famous wine region of Bordeaux are found in this state. We will talk more about that later.

Driving to our home for the next week, we were feeling a bit hungry so pulled over at a tiny hole in the wall with the promising name of Chez La Puce (The Flea’s Place). 

Walking in, it appeared that all 6 or 7 tables were full. Undeterred, a server pointed us towards the man at the register who directed us into the kitchen. We walked through there and found ourselves in another dining room where there was an empty spot so we plopped down. For lunch, they only offered the special of the day; a four course meal including coffee and all the wine we could drink for $21 each (including tip and tax). The wine, made by the owner, had never seen a bottle and was some of the best I have had in a long time. What a shame I was driving! Well sated, we continued 10 more minutes down the road to the tiny village of Pomerol and settled into our Airbnb apartment. 

We're up the steps in the unit on the right

Judy with our host, Gèrard

Our week in Pomerol was not just about the wine, although I will get into that in another post. This region has a lot of history.

Dolmen de Curton is a 4,500 yr old tomb

One morning we went to the nearby city of Libourne for market day. The city is named for the founder, an English soldier with a French - Roger de Leybourne. Remember, this area had been ruled by the English since Eleanor married Henry II. I know, it’s really confusing. 

City gate

After school, the teens only crave one thing...

French tacos!!

On another day, we decided to make the short drive to the Atlantic coast where there were famous beaches and oysters. Yeah - there's more than just wine in Gironde!

Lège-Cap-Ferret

Harvested that morning!