Bonneval

What a great start to the day. We couldn't believe it, the sun was out. We hastily ate our breakfast and set off out. The deciduous trees alongside the river Loire a riot of colour.

On the roundabout, by the entrance to the aire, we spotted a small cluster of toadstools. In the trees which lined the road up to the chateau, hung large balls of mistletoe, a reminder that Christmas is not far away.

For us, Christmas is not on our radar, we've barely got used to autumn.

The market was on in the town, and we wandered through it, enjoying the food stalls displaying, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables and charcuterie.

As always, there were live birds and fowl in cages, including both white and collared doves. A walk down one of the back streets found us outside a chocolatier. In the window was a large mound of both milk and dark chocolates made to look like horse chestnuts. They were stunning, but out of our price range at 24.50 euros for six pieces.

Back at Marge, we showered, had lunch and set off. We were grateful for the settled morning weather, but on our departure the rain returned. Just north of Orleans, we passed two pole dancing clubs within a short distance of each other. John, forever the joker, suggested they may be venues for Polish people to learn French country dancing! A little way along the road, as we passed Orleans-Bricy airbase, we could see the weather looked brighter in the direction we were headed. Well we got that wrong!

On our arrival at Bonneval the heavens opened. To access the aire, we had to cross a bridge of thick sheet steel, underneath which the fast flowing waters of the river Loir, passed.

O.K. Marge, go easy, we don't like the idea of getting wet either!

Soon after we settled Marge, the sun reappeared.

Nearby a French man began juggling his boules, whilst waiting for his friends to join him.

We donned our waterproof coats and trousers, not trusting the weather, and walked into the medieval part of the town, passing by the Saint-Florentin Abbey, now a mental health hospital.

Another day, so another church. This one of gothic architecture, with beautiful vibrant coloured stain glass windows, which the sunlight shone through, casting a rainbow of light on to the stone vaulted ceiling.

The town of Bonneval is known as Little Venice of Beauce, so outside the town hall was a gondola made of cane. It looked a little out of place to us, but now we know the significance of it, it makes sense. Perhaps a plaque should have been displayed by it, explaining its relevance. After our early lunch, and feeling we should spoil ourselves now it is nearly time to return home, we called into a boulangerie, for a cookie and chausson aux pomme. Naughty, but nice. But our indulgence doesn't end there. Tonight we will be treating ourselves to the pizza we'd promised ourselves when we returned to France. There's no stopping us now, we've become reckless!

Our journey is coming to an end far too quickly. We have missed our family, and hope this is reciprocated. We know nothing will have changed.

Next year we plan to 'tidy up our lives'. 2020 needs to be a year of change. For now, we must think of where we will go for our New Years break. Sorry Marge, you're not coming on this one. We feel enriched by our travels, it makes us feel alive, and there are many places we still want to visit. You must pursue every opportunity, you're a long time dead! Just go for it!