Hoopoes and honey bees...

Heading into the hills now , passing blue shuttered farm houses in orchards of apple, pear and ripening cherries. The town of Castelnau-Montratier can be seen for miles as a pale church under a red roofed dome tops one hill, and a windmill tops the other.
Soon all the farms are vineyards growing red grapes for the Cahor wines. Our first hares this trip watch us from a furrowed field. The map shows a scenic road with a view, which we follow to the Lot, rewarded with stunning views at each hairpin, of the Lot river, far below. Our hosts this evening live in a beautifully restored house, just outside the ancient village of Albas.


They are surrounded by vineyards. Another evening where we can enjoy our dinner outside. Genevieve and Michel have their own bee hives and the bees buzz around the lavender, herbs and the honeysuckle that gives shade on the terrace. Hoopoes fly amongst the vines and onto their lawn. Michel's dad (in his 80s) lives in the cottage next door. He climbs up a long ladder to pick cherries.

Location:Montauban to Albas