We were up early again so we went walking again as the sun rose. We walked through the Jardin du Luxembourg and then onto the Saint Sulpice church. We walked through the church as the light streamed through the stained glass windows - it was awe inspiring. We wandered back through the Paris streets back to the apartment and packed our bags. Rather than catch the train we jumped in a taxi to Orly airport to pick up the hire car. Orly was typical France crazy - it took 20 minutes to get a car but in the end we lucked out - a brand new Passat wagon. We flew down the A6 (the car has adaptive cruise control which is very cool). A few hours later we arrived at Ads house in Couleurve and met Mum and Dad and then onto our hire house at Varenne. The sun was shining as we spent the afternoon in the back garden. The house is lovely big old farmhouse style - all the kids have their top floor in which they can play and be away from the adults. That night was mum and dads turn to make dinner - we had foie gras Salad and then magret du canard. Washed down with a glass of vino or two - it was lovely to be with the family again (playing charades) The next day was a little overcast and cooler. We drove into Moulins to the grand frais to buy groceries for the next few days. This stores in France have beautiful fruit and veg and meats - it was hard not to overbuy. We popped into Carefour to get some burgers for the kids and then on to the centre of Mouljns to the Le Grand Cafe for lunch. This restaurant is a beautiful "belle epoch" style - glass windowed ceilings and mirrors. We had lovely lunch - I had terrine aka Maison, the hache beouf and then tartine a banane - all was delightful. We wandered around the old historic part of Moulins and then a little shopping. The weather was closing in so we drove back to Couleurve through the countryside (very green and lush in the forests). Some downtime then it was bonjour to Fred, Gaby and peter king. Chris and Meg did dinner this night - roast porc and then a mirabelle tart - delicious. The next day was Mums birthday - so we were all up early to give her presents. The kids were up early to give Granny Dee her birthday present. A quick breakfast of baguettes and leftovers and we were on our way to the Sancoins markets. It was a grey day and not very warm but the markets were interesting. The kids were fascinated by the live market - chickens roosters and ducks ready to be sold. We bought some local potato pastries and some cheese. We didn't want to head back to the house just yet so we drove on to the lovely little town of Apremont. Apremont sits on the Allier river and has a beautiful chateau overlooking the village. It is very pretty but a bit quiet on a cold Wednesday. They were having an Audi event by the river showing off all the new RS class cars - very nice. We headed back to the house for a picnic lunch of cheese and baguettes and then some quiet time before the birthday celebrations were to begin. Pre dinner drinks out on the garden as the sun came out for the evening. Then Gemma set up her show of hula hoop twirling and fire dancing. The kids loved having a go with the hula hoops afterwards. Ads then set off the fireworks above us - tres spectacular! We then sat down for dinner prepared by Latesia. Way too much duck!! - but delicious nonetheless. We then played a trivia game, and then butt darts! It was a very funny end to a tremendous day - one that we will remember for a long time. The next day was a beautiful sunny day and after the events of yesterday a quieter one. The kids had all developed rashes on their chest so Leigh took Eleanor to the doctor - ah!! Bed bugs! We cleared out the kids top room in the hope that will fix it. We played games with the kids out in the garden (crazy croquet and Klop) and had lunch in the sunshine. It was our turn to be chef that evening so we slow cooked some brisket for a ragu sauce for the kids and seared some rare roast beef for the adults - it was delicious. We played a great game called Labyrinthe then went to bed. The next day was foggy so we had a quiet morning and then we drove to Bourbon to see Ads kids store. While it's not completed yet it is going to be great when finished. It's in a prime position in town with display windows on three sides. For her birthday present Eleanor was able to choose a very special dress and Cape from his shop. Ads recommended a restaurant nearby (bistro bourbonaise) where Leigh Eleanor and I had lunch - a delicious tour de jour (terrine followed by the most amazing Turkey I have ever had and the cassis clafoutis) - all for 13 euro! After lunch we drove out to Gaby house to meet Fred. As usual Gaby's house was a riot of big dogs and cats - Phoebe, Gus and Darling. Phoebe loved to box you out - she is a very big dog! We then drove out to where Fred keeps her horses which is in the quiet countryside. Fred has a number of horses - thoroughbreds, mares and a pony (called Harry) Eleanor was so excited to ride the the pony and with Fred's help was able to get Harry to a canter without wearing a saddle. She loved it. It was getting late so we headed back to the Maison and I then took Harry to Cerrily to get some more wine for the night. It was our last night at the house so we had a feast of leftovers and chatted into the night. The next morning we cleaned up the house and then said our goodbyes - it had been a fantastic week and I know Mum had a great time. We need to return our hire car to Orly airport so we drove back to Paris via Auxerre - a lovely medieval town on the river. We walked through around the cathedral and the river after we had a nice lunch in the centre of town. We then drove back to Orly airport and caught our late afternoon flight to Florence. We arrived in Florence and caught a taxi to our apartment to start the Italian part of our adventure.