Le Ruault gîtes

14/06/2026

A glorious day for a stroll around the Marché des Puces (literally flea market) at Montsoreau.

We managed to find some side plates in our chosen china to bolster what we have, and some beautiful botanical illustrations of mushrooms to frame and hang up. Not bad at all!

14/06/2026

A pipistrelle bat had found its way into Orchard Cottage and was lying on the floor obviously confused and dehydrated. A little sugar water made all the difference - it was lapping it up with its tiny tongue - and Tim put it in one of the sheds (where it was cool and dark) to recover.

30/05/2026

The previous owners must have enjoyed yuccas - once they’d outgrown their pots, they planted out at least six of them along the edge of our stream where they’ve thrived. Every now and again, one bursts into flower. Stunning!

29/05/2026

Just taking a quick break from cleaning the swimming pool cover, sitting listening to the delightful cacophony of birdsong!

26/05/2026

On an early walk before (a) it gets too hot - currently 27° at 9am - and (b) I start presenting the revision course for my CIPFA audit and accountancy students, I noticed that new vines have been planted on a hitherto non-descript parcel of land on a route I walk less often. It’s lovely seeing the local landscape change over seasons and years.

26/05/2026

22/05/2026

Now, that’s more like it!

And wonderful news for one set of neighbours who are renting both our gîtes for the weekend to accommodate family and friends for a joint birthday celebration and another set of neighbours who are hosting a big party (to which we’re invited) in the Salle de Fêtes in Bouillé Loretz to celebrate their 60th birthdays and 30th wedding anniversary!

Quite the holiday weekend! Woop woop! 🎉🍾🥂

21/04/2026

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! No, not Christmas…but the annual pressure washing of the tiling round the pool. Tiring, yes, but so, so satisfying!

15/04/2026

Life in rural France is not always rosy.

Today, we were very grateful to a man from Aeos Gaurit who came with his truck to empty and rinse not one but two of our septic tanks!

When we lifted the covers, it was no wonder our toilets weren’t flushing properly - but I’ll spare you the details 🤣🤪

It’s something you only need to get done every five years or so. All sanitation now back to working order. Phew!

12/04/2026

My desk looks out on our beautiful wisteria - it’s been a joy seeing it flower this spring.