It's the middle of April, and I'm off to the south-west of France to spend a week kickstarting my novel writing creativity in the company of Jane Wenham Jones at Chez Castillon. The sun has decided to shine, the conversation sparkles, and the desired effect is achieved. Words … [Read more...]
What Chez Castillon means to me
Today is Monday, which means it’s market day in Castillon. Full of wonderful smells from the bakery stalls, wonderful displays of oysters and paellas, glorious flowers and plants sold from the back of vans and brightly coloured clothes stalls. All based around the town where … [Read more...]
Home Alone at Chez Castillon
Yesterday, Janie (my better half) set off on a kind of Busman’s Holiday. Here at Chez Castillon we host, among other things, Writer’s Retreats, but she has left SW France for South Wales to take part in a Writer’s Retreat. It’s not as daft as it sounds, as she will be writing, … [Read more...]
Winter at Chez Castillon
When the last of the guests goes home, we allow ourselves a tiny moment to draw breath (and perhaps have a celebratory drink…) The moment doesn't last long, because although Chez Castillon might be closed for business to the outside world, inside there's plenty of work to be … [Read more...]
Market day
The market sets up early, and when you venture outside after breakfast you'll see why they have to: every street in Castillon-la-Bataille is filled with colourful stalls. There are stall holders calling to each other, locals filling their baskets with fresh fruit and veg, and … [Read more...]