Say goodbye to Francis and Adam and also Nick and Simon who fly back today. Weather iffy but top of car mostly off. Head to Montauban north of Toulouse. We are staying in a spa that was an old abbey. As soon as we get there, it's clothes off and towelling robe on and we are off to the sauna and steam rooms and relax by the jacuzzi and pool. Bliss. Wandered into town for dinner. Montauban is an interesting town. Terraced on many levels with old town full of arcad...

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 ...

Seaside today! A bit tired of the grey clouds, we pack the cars and head to the Med. Weather improves strongly the further south we head. When we arrive at Marseillan, it feels dangerously hot. We gingerly peel off and then cover up to protect ourselves from the sun. Delicious lunch of bread and pate and then we go and have a swim in the calm sea. It's FREEZING! I've never known anything like it. It felt close to zero degrees. Eventually Adam and I became numb e...

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...