About fifteen kilometres from Niort is the relatively new commune of Aigondigné in the Deux-Sevres department that was born on the 1st of January 2019 when the merger of the towns Mougon, Thorigné, Aigonnay and Sainte-Blandine took place.
We are in the area to house sit for Anne and Laurent who are off to explore other regions of France, whilst we are tasked with looking after Youki ( Bichon Frise ) and Elite (cat) and for us it couldn’t have come at a better time because the temperature continues to rise daily, however, we soon realise that it doesn’t matter whether we are in the motorhome or a house we can’t get away from the heat.
So for us, it’s been a very quiet week where we have used this time to catch up on laundry, charge up our electrical equipment and do the odd bit of cycling and walking.
The small old town of Mougon is surrounded by countryside and with just a handful of shops that are either closed for the summer or don’t stock much, thankfully the pharmacy is open because we will need that by the end of our stay.
Don’t think the Pompiers have used this in a while
Anna and Laurent’s home is set within a large secluded garden the house is spacious and modern but still quite charming.
The elusive Elite who we hear more than we see him.
Youki is not a keen walker so some days he needs a little persuasion, however, the sniff of some bread or cheese gets his little legs going.
We spent a couple of days with Anne and Laurent learning about their “French way of life”, We experienced the French way of preparing meals which then involves sitting down for long lunches and late dinners, nothing is rushed here.
Anne leaves us a selection of local produce to try; Cheese, Brioche, cake and biscuits, she warns us not to eat the topping on the burnt cake.
Not sure the architect for this barn conversion considered how the windows were going to be cleaned or how to tackle the cobwebs!!
It’s been another hot day, that sees the storm return later that evening
Finally, around 9 pm the temperature drops and it cools down enough for us to enjoy the spa.
Probably the most eventful thing we did this week was visit the local Doctor as John has shingles. I think the cost of the prescription is going to hurt him more than the shingles!!
At least we have this quirky garden to spend time in this week it is full of interesting features.
Several motorhomes would fit nicely in this old barn
Enjoying reading about your further travels.
Thank you
I’ve had a look at house sitting & it’s a no brainer! Looking after pets (which we love) in beautiful surroundings, I think we’ll be doing some of that!
House sitting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, however, apart from a couple a couple of hicks along the way we have had a wonderful time, it’s certainly an experience, give it a go!