Fifteen August, Assomption, fell on a Friday this year so it was a long
weekend throughout France. We enjoyed the company of Simon's brother, his wife
and their friend. One of the things we did was join the annual classic car
meet at Lésigny. This involves meeting at the river for breakfast, then
driving a 40 km circuit through rural countryside and villages, along with
hundreds of other classic cars following one after another. Once back at the
riverside park it was time for a picnic, then a swim.
This is Claudette's boot packed with all the essentials for a picnic and
swimming.
For the picnic we served melon and dry cured ham, followed by onion and goats
cheese quiche (made by Simon), lettuce, tomatoes, homemade basil vinaigrette,
and homemade pickled onions. That was followed by a cheese platter, then
homemade mirabelle clafoutis. The drinks served were rose, sparkling water,
ginger beer, and champagne.
Yesterday the Tour de France came through Preuilly-sur-Claise. The town had
decorated itself with banners, sculptures and beer tents, and was looking
really festive. There was a number of costumed people, including Danes (of
course) and Knights (!?). Everyone else but us was wearing free velux hats, as
we obviously arrived too late.
We started the day with an early and somewhat hasty lunch at the guinguette
with Niall, Antoinette and some of Niall's family. We then headed up to the
abbey in time to see the caravan pass and gather some plunder. The caravan
wasn't as extensive as previous years, but that means we have less tat to deal
with. Having said that, I gained a really useful combination
key-ring/supermarket trolley token holder. Hooray for useful tat!
After that excitement we rehydrated and had a sit down, and watched the
approaching cyclists on TV. You can either participate these events or take
photos. This year we participated, so no photos of caravan or cyclists. Susan
had our Australian flag, and I had a message for my Dad.
Susan, flag wrangling with assistance from Olivier's grandson
Beer tents and Danes. Not coincidence, I suspect.
Once the excitement was over we headed home, arriving just in time to watch
the race on ITV's +1 service. Just as the bikes reached Preuilly they went to a
life long ad break, only returning as the cyclists reached Bossay. Booo!!!!
Luckily, France TV came to the rescue. You should be able to see me, but they
missed Susan.
We had an ace - but 34°C - hot day. Not as hot as it was for the cyclists,
who averaged over 50km an hour for the 174 km race.
(If you click on the video, then click on the little square box bottom right, you should get the video full screen)
This is a proper sized lamington (don't worry, that's a side plate) photographed in Tenterfield, New South Wales.
As much as the idea appeals, we're not making lamingtons as snack food for watching the Tour de France tomorrow. Look for us and our Aussie flag as the Tour passes through Preuilly sur Claise.
Our guinguette (riverside summer pop up bar) Le Lavoir knows how to pull in the crowds. Recently we went down for their special oyster service. The oysters themselves were amongst the best we've ever had, and the condiments were good too. Normally I just have oysters nature (plain), but the shallot vinegar and the citrusy dressing were both excellent and both enhanced rather than overpowered.
Opening oysters as fast as he can. The bowls contain condiments -- 'caviar', citrus, shallot vinegar.
The oysters came from the Ile de Ré, off the Atlantic coast, raised and served by the Dealer d'Iode (chasseur d'huitres) https://dealerdiode.com/. Guinguette Sommelier Louise was taking orders and serving a carefully chosen white wine. The oyster farmers are fifth generation and the family have been producing oysters since 1920. As ever when I've had really good oysters, they were not large. These ones had a very impressive algal fringe too.
Louise taking orders, customers taking their oysters. The little bottles contain smoked vinegar.
COVID was a real turning point for the business, and they decided to develop oyster bars and host events and visits.
Local textile artist Daniele Deletang has produced a 4 metre x 5 metre banner in patchwork to celebrate the passage of the Tour de France through Preuilly sur Claise on 13 July this year. It is hanging from the front of the gallery she and her husband curate. Very conveniently it is situated directly in front of the bridge the riders must cross, before they turn hard right around the Abbaye and head for Bossay sur Claise.
It's in lovely bright colours and very much in the spirit of the race. I hope it gets lots of air time when the helicopters come through to do their travelogue shots.
