Volunteers/Interns at La Giraudiere enjoy travel to other regions in France
With just a 3 day commitment to work, La Giraudiere volunteers/interns have 4 days each week to explore other parts of France and the current group have been making the most of this opportunity. The train service from Chalais provides a gateway to anywhere you want to go. Some popular weekend jaunts are Angouleme, Santes, Cognac and Bordeaux.
Bordeaux, in southwestern France, is a port city on the Garonne and hub of the famed wine-growing region. It’s definitely a city on the not to be missed list. It is known for its Gothic Cathédrale St-André as well as its many fine and contemporary art museums and 18th and 19th century mansions. The Grand Place de la Bourse opens to the water with the Three Graces fountain at its center.
Some 1,810 hectares of Bordeaux are listed a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is well worth a trip on the ‘red bus’ to get an overview of the city and then go back to specific sites to visit magnificent buildings some dating from the 12th century. There are a myriad of outdoor restaurants and good French food available everywhere.
Whilst in Bordeaux another not to be missed is a visit to Saint-Émilion. It is located 35 kms northeast of Bordeaux. Saint-Émilion’s history goes back to prehistoric times and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century. Monks started up the commercial wine production in the area in the 8th century. The scenery is eye-wateringly beautiful with rows and rows of grape vines in every direction.
The group currently staying at La Giaudiere have this past weekend returned from various locations and their lovely photos and descriptions of where they have been demonstrates that Volunteers/Interns at La Giraudiere enjoy travel to other regions of France.
There was lots of hugging and kisses when everyone returned to Chalais last evening to be reunited after a weekend away from their now good friends and two newcomers and a local couple joined us for a dinner in the churchyard of Chalais Chapel under the trees. Chalais Chapel was rebuilt in the Neo-Roman style from 1868-1872 as a hospice, chapel and girls’ school. Today the building is associated with worship and culture for the benefit of mainly young people.
Friends sharing dinner and stories about their weekend jaunts
It was obvious from the lively chatter and camaraderie that Volunteers/Interns at La Giraudiere enjoy travel to other regions of France and sharing their stories with each other. A lovely meal was served by the owners of the small restaurant across the road from the Chapel.
Beautiful location for dinner in the Chalais Chapel yard under the trees
Kathryn Intern from Scotland found a fluffy friend
We arrived back at La Giraudiere to witness a glowing magic sunset, perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Sunset from La Giraudiere – perfect end to the day
