Arrived at Calais

8 hours from south!

Au revoir

After a night of shivering then the shits then sweating like a maniac with no sleep at all, it's time to say goodbye south west France.

Au revoir

The best meal we have ever had

Today is my real birthday. Natalie booked us into the local restaurant "L'Auberge de Bardigues", its a 2min drive / 10minute walk from where we are staying. Visit their website at http://www.aubergedebardigues.com/

It was the most amazing meal I have ever eaten - every course perfectly presented, cooked and so tasty. We ate in their open air terrace, high up above the village of Bardigues (see last photo for view!) Here are some pics :

Amuse-bouche

Starter - Natalie - Scallops

Starter - Darren - Duck three ways

Main - Both - Fillet of Beef. I have to say, that this dish alone has rekindled my joy of proper filleted beef, after a few recent disappointments back home, I was leaving beef for a while. However, the french know how to prepare a proper fillet. This was amazing. Perfectly cooked, melt in the mouth, beautiful sauce, not one bit of fat, lovely presentation. I cannot say it again - the best I have ever eaten and probably the last time ill eat this well (unless I come back here)

Desert - Both - A selection of  five!!! deserts.

The coffee was superb too!

Finally the view from our table

New Knife

Picked up a knife today, nice quality, 440 SS blade.

Mr Dragonfly

Very happy how this handheld shot came out!

Homemade Toulouse sausage cassoulet

Lovely!

I'll pass on this bottle