The Samois-sur-Seine house sit is a little different to most. Mick and I had initially agreed to this sit in February, and it was set to conclude on 16th July. A few weeks later, we were asked if we could extend it to 5th August, less a few days in the middle when the hosts would return from one trip before heading off on a second trip. We were happy to agree to that. They offered for us to stay with them during those days if we liked or we could head off for a few days ‘holiday’.

So this gave Mick and I something to think about. Where to go?

Our hosts suggested we go to Sancerre in the Loire Valley, and they said we could take their car. What a great offer.

I’ve underlined Orléans in this screen shot to show where in France we are, as much to help me as any reader who is not familiar with France.

Sancerre is a medieval hilltop village that has a stunning view of the Loire Valley and its vineyards, and as a result, it is a very popular tourist destination. When I was looking at where to stay in Sancerre, I noticed that the accommodation was quite expensive. So, I found us something quite close (only 3km away) in Saint Satur.

Google Maps indicated the drive would take between 90 to 100 minutes, but not the way we went. Mick prefers the smaller roads and he found lots of interesting roads for us to explore, including the last  20 minutes following the Loire canal. Our trip took almost three hours. I’d had enough by then.

Our accommodation – Le Verger Fleuri – is a hotel and a restaurant, so we booked in for dinner on our first evening. It describes itself as a former maison bourgeoise (mansion) comprising 10 rooms and a peaceful landscaped garden. It also has secure private parking which was a key factor, as we want to make sure nothing untoward  happens to our hosts’ car. Our friend Helen would describe the hotel as  “oldy worldy”!!

Mick and I walked into the main part of Saint-Satur to find some much-needed mosquito repellant for Mick – as he has been eaten alive recently. Of course, there was a majestic-looking Marie, but it was this old fridge that caught Mick’s attention, as he also has run out of something to read. We have noticed lots of different ways books are offered for exchange in many villages and cities. Of course, most of them are in French, but not all!

I found a hairdresser and made an appointment for next Saturday, the day we leave here. I have been trying to make an appointment at the one in Samois, but it is always closed, and there is no sign in the window explaining why. Many of the businesses in that village have closed down for their annual holidays, so perhaps the hairdresser has as well.

We found a very cute, traditional bar where we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink. I found out there was no local red wine here, of course, the Loire Valley is famous for its whites and rosés. Nevertheless, a Côtes de Rhône sufficed.

We then headed back to our hotel for dinner, which was surprisingly delicious. Mick chose the set menu for €28 because it had fillet steak on offer, and he claimed it was the best steak he has ever had in France.

It was a good thing we were there – at first we thought we’d be the only ones, but two more couples turned up. Admittedly, it was a Tuesday evening.

 

Tomorrow we will head to the Office de Tourisme in Sancerre to find out what activities we can undertake during our stay in the area. There looks to be a lot to do, including of course, some Loire Valley wine appreciation activities!!!