French resident here and you were surprisingly in our neighbourhood! We're about 20 mins to Bazas. To explain some things around French culture and small towns as well. Not all this information relates to big cities but some of it does. First thing to know, lots of places are closed on Sunday and Monday in France, even in Paris. I'm not talking about large chain grocery stores but small local shops. Second, lunch is a big deal in France and typically goes from 12h to 14h for workers. A lot of workers do go home for lunch in the countryside, depends on their job, etc. Others go to restaurants and with the current weather, eat inside. Most restaurants are open from 12h to 15h, for lunch. Then you have Salon de The which opens until 16h. Things shut on time. Usually only one service at restaurants as well. Boulangeries open early morning, close just after lunch (13h or 14h), open again at 16h until 19h. Restaurants open in the evening at 19h and close either 21h or 22h. Typically only one service. Vegan options outside of big cities is very limited, if non existent, especially in small towns. Yes, France is more expensive than Spain for food. The best price option for veggies is Lidl. There was one in Bazas and it's fairly good. There's also one in Langon. French grocery stores in relation to cost - Lidl/Aldi - cheapest, E.leclerc - cheapest of big chains (usually in suburbs/small towns), Super U, Intermarche, Auchan (typically only in cities/suburbs), Casino group (Leaderprice, Franprix, with Monoprix - most expensive) To find the largest selection of veggies and vegan products you need a Hypermarche. In Langon there is a E.leclerc Hypermarche which has a decent selection. However, we've noticed a significant drop in vegan products in the last year. Lastly, in regards to small town in general, in France there has been a large exodus of young people from small towns to cities. This is happening in many countries. So a lot houses are either abandoned or are summer holiday homes. This is why they can feel abandoned. Also, as mentioned, Sunday and Mondays are quiet because things are closed. Also, this time of year is always a bit quiet. In the summertime this area is flooded with tourists. One thing I thought I would mention. I know you said you don't like castles but there's this really pretty chateau just off the A10 (not sure if you're driving along that) called Château de Chambord. You don't need to go inside, it's free to view from outside. It's pretty amazing. Sorry for the long comment! 😅

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

Amazing! Thanks for all the useful information. You live in a lovely area, to which I’m sure return in the future ♥️

@traveladdict7173

3 ай бұрын

@@WaleandMe It is a beautiful area and we really like it. However, the ocean has a strong pull on us and we're likely moving closer to it in the future. Probably near the border of France and Spain on the Atlantic coast. One thing I forgot to mention, don't trust Google Maps for opening times. Lots of places simply do not engage with technology at all in France. I have no idea why and yes, it's frustrating.

@katybuilds

3 ай бұрын

Agree with all your comment I live in Burgundy

Love the singing on road trips, my husband and I always did, without the radio, and we used to end up laughing at some of the lyrics that had to be invented when we forgot the song.😂❤

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

😂 we never know the real lyrics!

Nice to see somewhere else, even nicer to see the comparison of prices on basic needs. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side! There’s pros and cons to all we do! Nice that you had a break, as chance to recharge your batteries. A change is as good as a rest they say! Have a good week ❤

It all sounds idyllic.Enjoy your trip .❤❤

Great video again, looked like a really easy fit, and great adventure.❤

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! We had a great time 😊

I live in the french countryside. A lot of small towns are a bit deserted but then in the summer it comes to life with tourists. Inflation has been horrific and the countryside is a lot of second homes or old people. People with money go skiing in feb and march. If you were to revisit in the summer its a different story.

Nice doggies, nice sheep..... the owners must be awesome ppl! Enjoy your trip 😊

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

They are 🥰

Great video. Enjoy!

It's called being spontaneous, a great way of keeping it real.👍

Brilliant way to vacation💥

Really enjoyed this video. Your filming is getting really good 👍

@aleksandragrabarek5068

3 ай бұрын

Thought exactly the same!

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

Aw thank you! ❤We still have so much to improve, but what we have noticed is that filming is becoming much easier and natural 😊

¡Hola! Estoy siguiendo con interés vuestro aventura. A partir de mayo, viviré permanentemente en Carcabal. Estoy seguro de que nos encontraremos cerca. ¡Saludos, Johan!

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

Ah que bien! No conocemos Carcabal pero espero que disfrutes mucho de esta nueva experiencia 😀

Great video!

Very nice!

We are the same we always do things spur off the moment. And than it is a bit stressful

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

Haha glad to know we're not the only ones. The thing is, it always works out in the end.. 🙂

Those are pampered sheep! 😆🐑🐑

@WaleandMe

3 ай бұрын

Haha yes, as they should be 🥰

💖 P R O M O S M