ESCAPE TO FRANCE

Emma: "Would you like to come to my house in France to visit some Brocantes?"

Kate: "Let me think about that for a millisecond!"



Before I knew it, I was meeting Emma at Stansted Airport for the early morning flight to Bergerac. Over the obligatory breakfast at Leon, we talked about our trip and what we had planned for our night at La Verger.  

Emma owns French Loaf, a boutique holiday company where stunning French countryside and authentic history meet relaxed family friendly holiday homes.  Words taken from her website, do go and take a look, it's very inspiring.

We arrived in Bergerac at around 11am and were quickly through security to collect our bags.  Bergerac Airport is one of the smallest I have been to, so travelling to and from there is very easy and stress free.  We collected the hire car and in just 20 minutes were driving up the gravel drive of La Verger.




I never imagined it would be so amazing.  Beautifully decorated with an open plan kitchen/lounge with a huge wood burning stove.  I can imagine it would be just as enjoyable to hire in the winter, sitting round the fire with mugs of hot chocolate!

All the bedrooms are gorgeous, especially the main double bedroom with a bathroom of dreams and the most stunning views.  Just look at that view!

The property has its own private pool surrounded by wisteria, I wouldn't have any trouble sitting there all day reading a book!

Emma gave me a tour of the other two properties La Peche and La Poire.  Both these properties share a pool, so great for two families on holiday together with their own living space.

We set off again, through the most stunning countryside.  If you haven't been to this part of France, it's a really special place to visit, with fields of sunflowers and vineyards as far as the eye can see, scattered with beautiful villages and towns.  It wasn't long before we came across our first sign!  These are the kind of signs I search out for!

Packed to the rafters with everything imaginable, I spotted a painting way up high!  The owner scaled his exceptionally tall ladder, at one point I thought he was going to come crashing down.  He retrieved the painting which was beautiful and lucky for the shop owner, Emma liked it too and it would soon be adorning the walls of La Verger.  I don't think he was keen to go back up the ladder!  A few other purchases later, we were back on the road.  It wasn't long before we were parking up again!  I could have bought so much in this next Brocante, but with just hand luggage, I had to be restrained.

Time for lunch, Emma drove up a long tree lined drive, my mouth literally on the floor as we walked into Chateau de Les Merles.  I'm already planning a night away for our wedding anniversary.  After a delicious glass of wine (or was it two?) and gorgeous lunch, we reluctantly left and popped to the supermarket for provisions for dinner.  

There's something so much more exciting about visiting a supermarket on holiday isn't there?  We bought cheese (of course, we were in France!) some lovely meats, fresh bread, olives and wine.  Back at La Verger we relaxed for a while then plated up our provisions and started planning! 

Planning what I hear you ask?  Well we are organising a special trip out to La Verger.  To visit the Brocantes and markets and to experience the delicious food and wine that this stunning region has to offer.  You don't need to be restrained with your purchases either as we'll be organising transportation back to the UK.  So if you love the thrill of an early morning market, hunting out unique furniture and homeware to add some French finishing touches to your home, you will love the weekend we have planned. 

The next day we drove to a Vide Grenier.  You might call it a Boot Sale, I would call it heaven!  So much more than a Boot Sale, with gorgeous stall holders selling everything imaginable, even a stall selling brightly coloured Budgies, real live ones!!  Emma kept laughing as I was so frustrated at only having hand luggage.  I didn't do too badly, I even managed to smuggle over a Renoir!

Emma and I are very excited about the trip and we would love you to join us.  Spaces are limited to just SIX, so you'll have to be quick! You might like to read Emma's Guide to Shopping Bordeaux Brocantes for a little inspo!

Full details and itinerary are over on the French Loaf website.  Follow the link HERE!

See you in Bergerac!