Time In Cadouin

Time Out

It’s been all go here for the last few days. The roofers are up and down in the cherry picker, sawing joists and laying tiles; the gardeners are chopping down bushes and old trees and trying to start a bonfire; the mill pond is being cleared but the digger has got stuck in the mud and, for now, it seems destined to stay there. I decide to take some time out.

Where better than to go than Cadouin. Less than a 15 minutes’ drive away, it’s so peaceful and tranquil. A winding drive through the glorious autumnal colours of the Dordogne countryside and I park up (parking is always easy here and even I’m not phased by finding a space for Jumpy, our Citroen van).

A quiet residential street with a cafe in Cadouin

Time to Wander

The sun is shining and still warm as I wander up the sleepy main road. I pass a quaint little café; the delicious smells and the sound of chatter fill the air as a large French family are enjoying lunch outside. I stop to look at the menu du jour and I’m sorry I’ve already eaten. I deviate off the main road to walk through an alleyway where the buildings and architecture are stunning. A great chance to take pictures, although I’m sure I take pictures of the same buildings every time I come here! Yet every time I feel like I’m seeing it for the first time.

Shortly the imposing form of the Abbey will loom large ahead of me. You can’t pass by without going inside. I will, but not just yet.

I cross the road to have a look in the shop with the French grey shutters and the rusty metal bric a brac outside. I go inside for a browse then head back outside and take a few more pictures! Across the road is the market square and I wander over to the art gallery. I’m looking for some posters by local artists that I saw the last time I was here, but my attention is taken up by some stunning photographs and paintings. Note to self – a future birthday or Christmas present!

Charming Bric-a-brac shop in Cadouin

Time for Ice Cream and Coffee

There are some lovely cafes, restaurants and a brocante full of regional antiques and bric a brac. But for me, the cherry on the cake is the glacier – the ice cream shop. I can’t resist ice-cream, and this place has a choice that is to die for! Too many flavours to choose from so I opt for an affogato. Not very French but what better combination that coffee and ice cream.

I eat it quickly before the ice cream melts and sit for a while enjoying the calm and watching the world go very slowly by, while the owner of the art gallery takes Instagram worthy pics of her dog posing in front of the Abbey.

Cadouin glacier and ice-cream store

Time to Reflect

Feeling relaxed I browse into the Abbey and sit for a while in this awesome space, reflecting on its history.

It was built not only as a tranquil place of worship but also as a defence for the townsfolk in times of unrest – of which there were many in medieval times as the Hundred Years War raged across the Perigord.

Looking up at the abbey in Cadouin

Time to Return Home

Chilled and rested, I head back to the van, deviating to wander up the steep steps to the panorama – a viewpoint overlooking the roof tops of the village. I sit again and enjoy the sunshine. There’s not much of it left – after all its November when the days are shorter and the sun dips early.

Walking back, I smile as I notice the French family are still enjoying their extended lunch!

View of Cadouin and the Dordogne countryside

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