Getting Lost in Paradise

After our breakfast Monday, we decided to make a picnic for after the boat ride, which we wanted to take at 11:00.  The boat was full, though, so we made reservations for the next day.  Then we left for the Jardins of Eyrignac, known as some of the most beautiful in this area.  However, upon entering Sarlat we thought we saw a direction for the town close to the gardens, so off we went.  After traveling around for about an hour, we realized we were going in circles.  At that point, we did not mind because we were seeing some of the most beautiful scenery we had seen, only the kind you can see from very small, narrow roads (which, of course, made the drive scary also!).  Finally, we arrived.  There was a very nice shaded area for picnicking, so we took out our eggs, tomatoes, cheese, fruit, and (most important), the wine.  After being refreshed with food and drink, we visited the gardens.  These gardens require 6 full-time gardeners, and they show it.  There were several types of gardens within the grounds, including a French garden, an English garden, a Chinese garden, and several others,  such as the vegetable garden and the cut flower garden.  By the end of the hour and half walk, we were hot and tired, so we had drinks at the on-site café.  After leaving the gardens, we decided to drive by the Chateau Montfort.  Again, we lost our way even with a GPS and a map.  Nevertheless, we eventually found it only to realize that the place that sits imposingly on the hill is not open for visitors.  We took lots of pictures though.  So back home we went anticipating gins tonics and a rest before having dinner at “La Terrace.”  I ordered the menu and had salad avec gisiers (gizzards), which is a specialty here, and confit de canard. All in all, a very nice day.