Joyous June

Emmie - The sun setting on the the sea at Biarritz.

This is a beautiful time to come to The Farmhouse, the June flowers are in their glory, the geraniums recently planted are bloomimg and the colours are vivid and bold. With visitors here we have once again been on our travels leaving our guests to enjoy the tranquility and peace of the place.

Having spent some time in May on the Mediterranean side of France, we decided to head west to the Atlantic coast. Our plan was to explore the coastal region from San Sebastian in Spain to Biarittz in France.

San Sebastian to Biarittz.

I think I first heard of San Sebastian years ago in relation to the car ferry that goes to Bilbao. Some friends had made this journey from UK to Spain and had spent some time in San Seb, they had of course been delighted with their stay and the memory was formed. I too was delighted with this charming place. It has it all; beaches, wide promenades, harbour, quaint old town and TAPAS! Tapas has never been raised to such high esteem as in the old town in San Seb. Tall tables stand outside on the narrow street and inside the array of tapas lines up in all its glory. While hams hang from the ceiling, the tapas is the star of the show. Standing for a while we shared a plate and a cool drink....had to be done! 

Baztan.

Moving along the coast to Hendaye, we found a seaside town with Marina. The long promenade with bars and restaurants  and a popular beach. St Jean de Luz is a very pretty fishing town. There were artists in the square selling their work and we sat down for a menu de jour, very delicious! The architecture is different in this region, compared with where the Farmhouse is. There is a flavour of the Alps , chalet style. With the Pyrenees not too far away it is not surprising there is a mountain influence in the buildings!

Saint Jean de Luz

Biarittz was my goal, the playground of the rich and famous in the 1920's. From the mid 19th century it was "The queen of resorts and the resort of kings". Apparently it is also the place where surfing began in Europe, there was certainly a surfers culture here with surf schools along this coast. The rocky outcrops and the Bay of Biscay kept us interested as we walked the promenades. The weather was not so good, though better for Emmie in her fur coat!

A place to swim.

Below the cafe are changing rooms and showers for sea bathing, the above picture shows the stretch of water where people were swimming.

Biarittz on a cloudy day.

Picture taken in the original fishing village Biarittz. Just loved the colour in this snap!

Back at The French Farmhouse the meadow grass on the field had been cut last weekend and turned several times to dry. Placed in formal lines it was then big bailed. 17 this year!

The big field FFQ

Finding some shade on a very hot day, today!

Biarittz.

So as the sun sets on June we are back to work and preparing for all the guests who will visit us this summer..on..on!!