Finding Family in France

We were finally on our way to meet with family. Crossing the country from east to west. Driving through a crazy thunderstorm. Stopping for second breakfast.

Chris enjoying a well earned second breakfast after negotiating the A6 motorway in an horrendous downpour

Further along on our journey, we watched in amazement as a car came hurtling along the autoroute from behind us and overtook the car in the next lane and finished up rolling their car at great speed and ending up smashing into a barrier ahead of us. Luckily, he was moving so fast that by the time the car came to a stop and the driver stepped out, we had just caught up with a few moments to dodge some debris from his car. It all happened in the blink of an eye and I think we were more stunned than he was. We continued on our way across the country via a few different autoroutes stopping for lunch.

In France you get to experience a full meal and wine during your driving break.

The autoroutes are punctuated with these amazing service centres. You can refuel your car, including electric charging points. there are clean restroom facilities and sometimes accommodation. But the best thing is the variety food options from snacks to take away or a full sit down option. After this you can shop for all sorts of goodies - magazines, books, toys, clothing, car necessities, souvenirs and local specialities.

Nous sommes arrivés We have arrived

When I was just 4 years old my family left England for Australia. My cousin Jez wasn’t even born but through the power of social media we had connected and organised our visit and we were finally at their home.

J&K’s multifaceted extensive home

Arriving at Jez and Kerry’s house we were warmly greeted and after a quick look our own gîte, we were offered an apero and sat outside enjoying the ambiance and peace of a summer evening in the French countryside. The conversation flowed along with the wine. We easily connected with them and their delightful beagle entertained us with her antics, evoking memories of our own beagle, Snoopy many years earlier.

The van parked outside our gîte for 5 nights.

Our gîte was separate from the main house and we had our own kitchen with laundry facilities and living space downstairs. Upstairs two bedrooms and a bathroom. All beautifully fitted out with special touches. It was very cozy and homely.

Whilst grateful for the amazing space, we spent most of our time with J & K, in their home but mostly outside in the various outdoor living spaces. Bienvenue Chez Nous was the sign that welcomed us and it really felt that way.

The entire property was amazing. We had seen photos of some of the buildings before and after but it was entirely different standing there and seeing the finished product. The blood, sweat and most likely tears of the past 7 years to rebuild and renovate the property was simply beyond our scope. The end product was a lovely country property with a separate gîte, a spa, a pool and an extensive garden that offered a variety inviting spots to sit and enjoy the summer weather plus a fully functioning outdoor kitchen.

One view of the house with outdoor kitchen

The garden was full of pretty blooms and lovely artistic touches .

We did enjoy our early morning cup of tea at the little outdoor table, near our gîte. It was just the two of us and the resident squirrel who I never managed to capture a photo of, despite numerous sightings. Try saying squirrel in French with this YouTube video. Un écureuil

Perfect spot for a morning cuppa

J&K were located in a tiny hameau in the department of Deux-Sèvres. A quick drive to a nearby village for treats from the boulangerie, a supermarket and weekly markets. Niort is the largest town nearby and there plenty of lovely places to explore in this region.

Lovely old church and stone walls lining the lane way

A short walk from the house through a park where we found a lavoir, a large pond and picnic area.

I had many plans for lovely places to visit in this region but time was short and our focus was definitely centred on spending as much time as possible with our newfound family. Please join me next time as we head off on one of our side excursions. À bientôt!