John and Tom decided we should go for a drive today and they picked Angouleme, as John hadn't been there before. This is the medievil hill-top town we'd been through briefly on the way back from Cognac.

Very gloomy day but quite warm still. A stop at a hill-top abbey ruin and then a stop at Rochefocauld to look at their chateau.

Arrived in Angouleme in time for a late lunch at McDonald's - yes, even John had some. He was intrigued to see that they're having a motor race around the city ramparts in vintage racers, later in the month. Unfortunately he'll be in England and will miss it - maybe next year.

Impressive city centre focussed around the ancient town hall and a number of mounumental churches.

A weather change arrived just as we finished looking around and it was a damp trip back to Lignac.