Seeing more than the inside of a plasterboard box

Every time I visit Argentat, I can't help repeating, 'They're taking the hobbits to Argentat'*. The enormous yellow dragon that used to curl around the bridge over the Dordogne here has now gone, which is a great shame. It must have been a temporary art installation, I assume. Its absence detracts from the whole hobbity vibe. 

It's been raining in the South West of France, despite it being June. It hasn't really stopped raining for a long time. There is a degree of disappointment amongst we British immigrants. Today it is 13 degrees Celsius in the Dordogne. Even Colchester has 17 degrees today! This is not cricket. But it does mean that all of the rivers and waterfalls are quite dangerously spectacular!**


 There must be a town regulation that insists on these riverfront properties using the same shade of blue. There are some rebels off to the left.
Gabares were the traditional flat-bottomed boats used on the River Dordogne for transporting goods between the Massif Central and the ports of Bergerac, Libourne and Bordeaux. This one is showing the strain. ***

Actually, it's quite rare to find a gabare still in existence, as they were traditionally used as firewood at the receiving port, and the sailors had to make their way home on foot.

 I love this end of pedestrian zone sign, because the designer has taken the trouble to make one leg shorter in order to give the impression of walking.

I also enjoyed the choice of parasol colours reflecting the colours of nature in this riverside spot.









* Yes, I know it's Isengard, but there's a syllabic and phonemic similarity...

** Whenever I say 'spectacular', a little voice inside says, 'Spectacular, Spectacular!' and Moulin Rouge pink-tinted visions ensue.

*** This is my 'car hire' face.

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