After a nice long stay in Bilbao, we started making our way across France with a series of shorter stops. 

First, we drove back up the Atlantic coast, following the same route Nathan and I took from Bordeaux. On that trip we stopped at the French Basque capital of Bayonne, and on this trip, the Spanish counterpart, San Sebastian. The four of us walked the Victorian promenade following the wide crescent of sandy beach. Then Nathan and I walked through the old town to a hilltop castle view. 

We went on to another resort town just over the border, Biarritz, France. I wish I could have enjoyed this one more, but we arrived just in time to start work late and had to leave in the morning for the next stop. We did have time for a run along the stunning coastline and a short walk as a family for breakfast.

That afternoon we arrived at our next exchange. It couldn’t be more different than urban Bilbao: a quiet impasse street, a garden full of tomatoes and zucchini, chickens and a cat. We had to drive to everything, but there was a lot to discover in Périgueux.

The city’s history dates back more than 2000 years, with distinct Roman, Medieval and Renaissance sections. The most memorable sites are the large conic Temple of Vesunna, and the cathedral Saint-Front which is said to have inspired Paris’ Notre Dame.

For some REAL history, we took a trip to the Caves of Lascaux, some of the oldest, best preserved cave paintings in Europe. Due to the damaging effects of exposure, the real cave is now closed, and you get to tour an exact reproduction instead.

Another day trip was one of our most fun outings, a kayak trip down the Vézère  river. We paddled past chateaux and cliffs, stopped at beaches for swims and picnics. 

We also got the chance to visit one more time with my mom’s cousin and her husband at their new home in the Charente-Maritime region. It is a small village about 50km from the sea, surrounded by sunflower fields as bright and cheerful as the home. After meeting these relatives in Barcelona and Winchester, it was fun to share a very French experience this time, with an incredible feast of mussels and local specialties. 

On our way to these various adventures we stopped at other random towns, exploring ancient lanes and bustling markets. We barely dabbled in the region’s renowned cuisine and wine. I could definitely go for another round in through the Dordogne!