Tranquil. The ice in your Pineau des Charentes chinks and settles as you laze back, the book still unread beside you. The sun begins its descent across the rows of vines and sunflowers. It’s still hot.

Laughter splashes over from the pool and just distantly the pock of boule hitting boule and a shout of triumph declares the end of a game. But what of tonight? Another barbeque? The Café de la Rive bistro at the little harbour? Delicious food. Relaxed atmosphere… Maybe... And tomorrow? Well, there are always the beaches to explore.

Then again, you haven’t really touched chic Bordeaux, and Cognac sounds very tempting. And of course, there’s Futuroscope. But not yet… Save that one. Besides it’s so nice to just stay put at La Renaudrie. The kids haven’t got tired of the Wendy House or the play area and perhaps you’ll find time for a little private go on the trampoline… but maybe not just yet.