I'm half way through my time living in Nantes. Yes, I returned here after a brief visit in February, this time to work on a project. I packed for cold weather, but I've been lucky, it's been glorious!

Nantes is a fantastic city. It's got beautiful architecture, great shops, oodles of bars, excellent public transport and is very walkable. Most mornings I've taken advantage of the weather and walked around the city, generally going off the beaten track. I love doing that as you usually chance upon a pocket of delight in some back street or along the river. I find it inspiring and a good way to generate ideas whilst exercising. The other thing I love about France is the stationery. I'm trying to resist buying up too many supplies. The reality of carrying it back to the UK on the train is containing my urge to buy every pad or block of paper! I find beautiful but practical stationery makes for a creative mind.

It's been challenging being a vegetarian here... which I knew it would be. Luckily there are many Creperies serving galettes (which also happen to be gluten-free). Having said that, there are good and bad varieties. Yesterday I had a fantastic morning basking in the sun at Trentemoult. After exploring this charming former-fishing village with quaint nooks and crannies I sat out on the deck by the Loire at Bar du Port with locals and tourists alike sipping coffee followed by a glass of Muscadet whilst brainstorming elements of my project. I then moved down the road to a creperie for lunch, influenced by the fact they had vegetarian galettes listed. I had the strangest combination on a cold (possibly rewarmed pancake), comprising apple, onions and walnuts. Bizarrely, the best crepe I've had so far was on my first weekend at the Atlantis Mall to the east of the city at Creperie Tante Yvette. I had a variation on the Bretagne, potatoes and creamy emmantale (minus lardons), followed by a visit to Ikea to stock up on Swedish brand chocolate Marabou.

Yesterday I decided to revisit Le Grand Elephant on Ile de Nantes. On my return from Trentemoult I'd heard it trumpeting and my interest was piqued. I was inspired back in February when it was in bits, stationary and having a make-over. Now fully operational walking around, flapping its ears and spraying water from its trunk, I'm in awe! Everyone looks happy, whether one of the 50 people onboard or at ground level watching the action. The city really has a sense of humour that comes through. I'd recommend a visit to Nantes for this alone.

I've been staying on the Place Royal bang smack in the middle of town. I have a view of the fountain (...well, a snippet at least). Today I move towards the castle, so I decided to treat myself to lunch at the famous La Cigalle opposite the Opera Graslin. I've passed it a number of times and felt somewhat intimidated by its reputation, but decided it's a 'must do' experience when in town. Inside is a delight with tables bedecked with white table and pots of pink cyclamen, surrounded in a room of modern époque chandeliers, coloured tiles and murals on the ceilings. I selected an entree dish of chèvre (goats cheese, which I normally avoid), green zebra and mimosa. The presentation was stunning. It actually looked more like a pudding and it tasted beautiful, all washed down with a glass of Petit Chablis.

In between the walking, eating and sampling of the local vino, my work is coming along nicely. I'm inspired, which was part of my rationale for coming to live here for an extended period. Bonus is, I think my French is improving too! Apparently I say 'hello' like a local! There's hope yet!