Last full day at and two new arrivals for Francis and Adam. Almost early start and went off to St Affrique Market. Francis stopped nearly everywhere by expats and locals for a chat. His cheeks were well kissed before heading back. Great market, not tourist driven like Borough Market. Bought a whole Foie Gras for Adam and Francis as a thankyou. Headed back and one last swim in the River. Still couldn't get Kimber to join us. Dinner was Rabbit with Prunes and ...

Up late today and laze from breakfast until lunch. It's kayaking day today. Nick rather nervous but we spend time reassuring him. Internally we are all rather nervous too. Arrive at start of course on Tarn. Quickly launch ourselves and spend some time paddling around tonged the feel of it. First obstacle is a small rapid under the bridge. And BANG, disaster as myself, Simon and Adam are upended from our kayaks as we hit the rocks. The other two manage to swim a...

Today we headed to Millau to see the viaduct. We had already seen it several times but never fail to be impressed by it's scale and audacity. After some photos from a vantage point we headed down to the town and had a look around. We had a glass of wine at a bar and had some sandwiches and macarons from a supermarket. We headed back to Rivecave after visiting a couple of the picturesque neighbouring villages. Francis cooked a family favourite of bacon with cabb...

Off to Albi today so after a light breakfast drove along the Tarn towards Albi through more breathtaking scenery darting through tunnels feeling you needed to breathe in if a car tried to pass you. Albi cathedral is very impressive and suprisingly warm despite it's fortress like appearance due to it's red brick construction and occasional gothic concessions. Inside it is absolutely breathtaking. A huge organ spans the west end of the cathedral above a huge Fr...

Up earlyish for a long walk with the dog across the ridges surrounding the valley in which Rivecave nestles. Francis is so passionate about his surroundings, stopping every few yards to describe a wild flower or soaring bird. It's very infectious. Weather is somewhat iffy though with light rain. Back to change and off to a wine tasting in Loiras near Lodev. The winery is called Domaine Jordy. We were greeted by a pleasant young Frenchman called Frederick who ha...