1 November. Public holiday here so it was fairly quiet. Grey clouds greeted the new month but it is still warm and by the time went went for lunch the sun was burning through. We set a trend at Roaix by sitting outside under the butchered mulberry trees and before long others had joined us in the sunshine. The most delicious magret de canard, neatly cut into medallions, perfectly seasoned, and brill chips. They don't do set menu on jours fériés so this was a special treat. It will be our last visit this year.
And then up above the village for a post prandial along the lanes and vines. Once again the greyish skies were the perfect backdrop for the vivid yellows and reds, just enough sunshine to illuminate the leaves. So still, and quiet too, with no white-van-men racing back to work. Just a vigneron tilling the rows and his three dogs, who barked with glee as they saw us and came hurtling to inspect the intruders. A bit alarming but they were only inquisitive and after a quick sniff went back to more interesting things.
