Ars-en-Ré. August 25, 2017 — Isabelle & Pierre

Aug 25

Aug 25 Ars-en-Ré. August 25, 2017

Late August, we are off to France and Ile de Ré in Charente-Maritime for couple months!

The village of Ars-en-Ré is famous for its church and steeple painted black so the sailors at sea could use it as navigation landmark. The church of Ars-en-Ré, built in the fifteenth century, is dedicated to Saint Etienne.

Pierre parents have been spending their summer vacations there since Pierre was a baby and built a lovely home 40 years ago in the village of Ars near the "Marché" and the small harbor: "Le Port". The video above shows the view of the steeple from the house.

We celebrated Pierre's birthday before his parents went back to Paris. Laure, his younger sister came with Gaspard & Jules, her twins. We had dinner at La cabane du Fier, famous for great seafood, fish, oysters, charcuterie and nice view on the Fier d'Ars (inlet of sea).

Ile de Ré is known for its large expanse of "still-producing" salt marches. An intricate network of trails runs across the salt marches and provides the perfect setting for long and beautiful bike rides: The national sport on the island after sailing..

and going to the beach...

.. not forgetting, going to the market!!!

The family from Miami arrives! Danielle & Arthur, Charlotte & Isabelle, c'est la fête!

And, more family and friends! Isabelle's brother Pascal and his wife Dominique, his children Jules and Léa, a few days later Isabelle's other brother Jean-Luc with his wife Danielle, their daughter Elsa and their grand-son Virgile and Yaya our daughter-in-law's sister. We, of course, eat, goof around and time goes by very quickly!

The highlight of the vacations for Charlotte is Le manège en chanteur de Donin (The merry go round). Donin sings his own songs, the same that were already enchanting Agathe and Arthur 30 years ago! We ABSOLUTELY have to go to "le manège" every single morning on our way to the market.