Beynac-et-Cazenac

We made a break for it and headed on our own towards Sarlat, following the Dordigne eastwards. We stopped at a pretty village Beynac-et-Cazenac, where we had a wander and I took the blip of the very imposing castle.

We thought Sarlat would be a pretty place too, but it looked most uninviting from the way in. We had trouble finding a parking place where a van was allowed, till we spotted a Spanish van parking at the side of the road on the way out, so we parked behind them, and put money in the meter. We found the pretty centre which was heaving with Brits, toddlers and pushchairs - all eating in the square near the church. We found a quieter little alley with a small restaurant where we had an interesting lunch - the waiter told me my starter was "throat of Duck" and "You WILL like it". I rarely eat meat but like to sample the region's specialities, so gave it a go - Mr C helped me out. My main was cassoulet which I could cope with, it being mainly haricot beans.

We had a long detour back to pick up my bike from the repair shop - don't ask!

The family didn't get to the snake park with the boys - James tripped and fell while running fast and got a deep cut in his forehead, so they were at the hospital. The nurse said it would need a stitch but the doctor decided a bit of 'glueing' would suffice. No pool though for at least 24 hours, as it mustn't get wet. He was a little soldier throughout, no tantrums. We are glad it didn't happen when we were in charge - it was bad enough on our first camping trip to France over 35 years ago - #1 daughter trod on a poisonous fish, and the two other got ear infections resulting in visits to Dr Jambon, who prescribed suppositories - not a happy combination with a sandy bottom.
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