Our two final days ride saw us enter the Perigord region and the landscape give way to rocky limestone paths at times, more sunflowers and forests of stunning green.
Unfortunately Sharon’s horse was unwell one morning which gave me the opportunity to help Simon in the back up van whilst Sharon rode Salsa.
They set off with the riderless Bouchon (Boo Boo) trailing along behind and Simon and I hit the supermarché for lunch supplies.
Lunch was in the grounds of beautiful Bonaguil castle which was originally constructed in the 13th century, and then extended substantially in the late 15th and early 16th centuries . When Simon and I arrived to set up it was quiet and peaceful but by lunch time was full of chattering French school children who were delighted to see the horses and practice their English on us.
We had some considerable time to wander the castle before it was time for the riders to mount up and Simon and I to pack up and move on to the horses overnight stop to prepare for their arrival.
Accommodation and dinner tonight was the picturesque village of Monflaquin in the Lot-et-Garonne region. It was built in 1256 as a military bastide town on a strategic north-south route and is home to a lovely square perfect for evening dining after a long hot day in the saddle.
The next, our last in the saddle, provided more stunning scenery as we wound our way toward what would be our final destination – the village of Monpazier.
Lunch today was in the village of Biron, dominated by the spectacular Chateau de Biron which set us into a photo snapping frenzy as it came into view!
Back into the saddle after lunch for our final two hours ride of the trip we all commented that despite our aching bodies, it was over too soon. Vague plans for the next adventure were still being discussed as we clattered into Monpazier village square to the delight of locals and tourists alike.
Simon was there to greet us in the best way possible – with a bottle of champagne – to celebrate our successful completion of 190 kms in the saddle and forged friendships that will last a lifetime.
After bidding farewell to our faithful mounts and our new french friends we cooled off in the pool of the beautiful Hotel Edward 1er before our final night’s dinner.
Next stop, Vegas!
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