After leaving Fontet, we continue our journey south to Saubrigues, a small village tucked away in southwest France, where we settle in for a week of house sitting. It’s a quiet place, the kind of village with a local baker, a small restaurant, and little else.
For seven days, we call an old farmhouse home. The house itself is called La Rochelle, and we learn that it is believed to be one of only five historic houses in the village. Set among open countryside, it feels wonderfully peaceful, yet it’s only fifteen minutes from Capbreton and Hossegor and just five minutes from the nearest essentials. On clearer moments, the Pyrenees are visible in the distance, a reminder of how far south we’ve travelled.
Our main responsibility while here is looking after the animals — cats Nyx and George, and Gaston the dog, who quickly sets the rhythm for our days. Morning walks become part of our routine, whatever the weather decides to do.
Unfortunately, the weather during our stay is mostly cold and wet, with constant rain keeping adventures close to home. Instead out door exploring, we opt for the slower side of travel — reading, cooking, and enjoying the calm of the farmhouse while listening to the rain outside.
One bright, dry day finally arrives, giving us the chance to venture out properly. We take Gaston for a longer walk and make a quick trip to nearby Capbreton, enjoying the sea air and a change of scenery before the clouds roll back in.
One of the highlights of the week is spending an evening with Neil and Ruth the owners of La Rochelle. We hear stories of Neil’s McNab snowboarding adventures and admire Ruth’s incredible artwork — one of those evenings that reminds us how travel is often more about people than places.
Seven days in Saubrigues pass quietly. Not every stop needs perfect weather or packed itineraries; sometimes it’s enough to slow down, and enjoy the simple rhythm of everyday life in rural France.
And unfortunately for John, there’s still no sign of his shorts or flip-flops making an appearance any time soon either — a tragic state of affairs for a man clearly ready to declare it summer at the first hint of sunshine.
La Rochelle is one of the five historic properties in the area
Gaston enjoying his morning stroll across the farm fields
We walk along the sea front at Capbreton we can just about make out the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay is blowing a hooley
The lobe chair
Espace Robert Dicharry in Orx where people come to walk or fish, apparently it’s full of pike, perch and zander
George became friendlier as the week went on ( not my photo )
Nyx just loves to sit and stare at us ( not my photo )