It was only a couple of months ago that we took a trip to France but already it’s starting to feel like a distant memory. After six days in Paris, where I ran the marathon and did a little shopping in Galeries Lafayette, we hopped on the train and took a trip to Burgundy. We spent a wonderful couple of days with friends and former colleagues of my husband. It was a complete gear change from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Our hosts Christine and Graham own Maison Crème Anglaise, a beautiful old building in the medieval village of Montréal. The house has three floors with a stone staircase in a turret, a barn with a grand piano, and a heated outdoor swimming pool!
We have this handsome fellow to thank for our trip to Montréal and a renewed friendship with his owners. A few years ago Christine wrote a children’s book about her dog Custard, which she sent to her former colleagues at the BBC. We were given the book for our daughter, who was only a toddler at the time, but kept it for when she was older. The book is published in English and French – English on one page and French on the other – so is a great way to learn the language. Reading the book prompted us to get in touch with Christine and Graham, and we decided to extend our trip to Paris to include two days in the Burgundian countryside.
Since “Cowardy, Cowardy Custard” was published, the star of the book has been joined by two new companions: Crumble, who looks like his younger brother, and Rhubarb the cat. Crumble and Rhubarb’s play-fighting had us in stitches! I think it’s fair to say the cat came out on top every time!
It was a bit too cold to use the swimming pool…even if it is heated!
Montréal is a typical Burgundian medieval fortified village with houses of local stone dating back to the 13th century.
On the second day we spent the afternoon exploring Avallon, where we found a small art exhibition and strolled around the pathway encircling the town. The sky looked rather ominous but we managed to dodge the showers!
We ended our walk with a look around the castle and a visit to the park opposite.
Coat: Damsel in a Dress, hat: Zara
Looks like a beautiful place, I am a big dog lover & these look so cute ! But I must congratulate you on a marathon ! Well done xx
Thanks Laurie! The dogs are gorgeous – I couldn’t prise my daughter away from them 🙂
How fun was that trip? Such beautiful scenery and historic buildings. Of course you look lovely especially with the pop of blue.
Thank you Carrie! It was a fabulous trip 🙂
Wow! Beautiful photos of a stunning area! I have never been and want to go!
It is a beautiful part of France Laura – and we’ve only seen a small part of it. I’d love to go to Dijon when we next visit and maybe do some wine tasting 🙂
Oh I love France and this looks wonderful. I haven’t been to Burgundy yet but I’m dying to go. We visited the Loire Valley last year and loved everything. And congrats on running the Paris marathon. I used to be a runner and ran the marathon in Berlin once but mostly I ran 10k and half marathons (which were my favourite). Sadly I needed to give it up due to a chronic injury. I’m still sad about it. Have a great weekend. Kirsten xx
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Thanks Kirsten! There are so many parts of France I want to visit – I’d love to go to Provence. Half marathons are probably my preferred distance too – it’s enough of a challenge but doesn’t carry such a high injury risk as full marathons do. I’ve had problems with my back and feet for quite a while now so I’m not sure if I’ll do another full marathon…never say never though 🙂
Looks amazing. I would love to travel here sometime.
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Rachel xo
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Great photos and you look very pretty. This town looks like a nice romantic getaway for couple. Very country-like!
Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
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Beautiful photos! I love your hat it’s fabulous. Jane X
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Thank you Jane 🙂
Beautiful photos! looks great!
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Thank you Rachel 🙂