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Swap doom-scrolling, overpriced festivals and “I’ll do something productive next week” vibes for something unforgettable. This summer, A Level and university students across the UK are lacing up their boots and heading to France to walk one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance routes: the French section of the Camino de Santiago.

Whilst we are experienced Air b n b's.... this was our first foray into B and B in a different country. For a first season, I think we did ok! I learnt that my husband is an incredible host, is amazing under pressure and really can be relied on to get the job done! I learnt that I am very good at ironing and making beds; lots and lots of beds! In all seriousness it did go quite smoothly. We listened to feedback, adjusted our room configuration accordingly; made sure everyone had a hearty breakfast and ensured there was always plenty of wine and beer. 

September is such a wonderful month here in France, the weather is still warm, and the leaves are starting to fall; the light has changed, with the days feeling dusky and Autumnal; we are probably a month ahead of the UK in terms of the seasons. This also means there are mushrooms a plenty, the sweet chestnuts are almost ready, trees are laden with apples, pears and persimmons with lots growing on public paths and spaces. There is a foraging feast to be had...we can live like kings if we wander the countryside with our baskets, gathering Nature's bounty. 

It's fig season and Moray has been hard at it, making our very own fig jam!!! Nothing better than a lovely warm croissant and some home-made jam for breakfast.... hoping to give some away to the final guests of the season. Soon the sweet chestnuts will be ready too, we will be saving those for Christmas.

....just coming up for air... we have had so many wonderful guests, I think I might need to invest in a new iron due to all the laundry. I think one of the most pleasurable things about living in France is the sense of community, created by so many well-attended events. The other week we found ourselves watching a young British Band at our local 'ampitheatre'. Hats off to Carsick, yes, that was the name of the band... they whipped the Navarrenx community into a bobbing frenzy late into the summer's night... we then had to cycle home, I think I may have fallen off my bike, which was of course, due to the large incline in the hill and not the several glasses of wine and inability to work the gears effectively. It amazes me, how enthusiastically, events, large and small are attended and enjoyed. P.S Moray and I never cycle at home,,,, or raft or attend strong men competitions. Read more!

In our village by the Mairie's office there is a tree where Pilgrims often take shelter from the sun... it is scorching. Personally, I cannot think of anything more challenging than walking for hours a day in the burning sun with a 20 kilo back-pack.

.... a lifelong dream is to swim with my horse. Laddie is 23 and recently arrived in France. Whilst we have a lovely paddock here at Maison Maisy, I prefer to keep him with the lovely Marie at a livery stables in Gurs. The girls are so kind and friendly and have included the crazy English girl in all that they do. We have attempted Equitation de travail with some success. A particularly proud moment was reversing along a channel in a straight line. Its like old fashioned British Handy pony, with dressage; very cool and so much fun. Considering Laddie is very spooky, he excelled in all exercises only to be let down by the rider who could not comprehend the exercise trèfle à trois feuilles!! We also completed the route of the Musketeers from Navarrenx to Gurs... about 25 horses and a substantial amount of walkers... Laddie did not behave well, cantering down the road... I think he thought he was going into battle. Needless to say we did not make the return journey back... my nerves were in tatters and everyone else was very grateful we retired.

Today I am baking brownies... and banana bread... all ready for our lovely guests arriving at the weekend. July is super busy, so batch cooking is a great way to get ahead. Of course, I had to sample and they are delicious. My gratitude to Mary Berry! Strangely its 33 degrees here, I'm baking hot! 

Time to start Treasure hunting.... local Vide Grenier this weekend in Charre (Sunday 22nd June) .... grab yourself a bargain or just have a noisy, great way to kill a few hours at the weekend.  Starts around 9:00am I think.