Small world: home swap in La Rochelle, France

Home swap: beautiful view of La Rochelle Harbour, France

"Myself and my travel companions recently returned from a wonderful home exchange near La Rochelle in Southwest France. This was a non-simultaneous home exchange, and so I really look forward to welcoming Robin and Marie to North Yorkshire in the future.

We met our hosts, Robin and Marie, on arrival as they had been staying in their holiday home and wanted to welcome us and show us round before their return journey. They have a beautiful home and a paradise of a garden! Never have I seen so many butterflies, including a stunning swallowtail!

We had a day trip to La Rochelle where we visited one shop that specialised in brandy and cognac... well, we're in the right area! The owner asked us where we were from and then told us that he often visited Yorkshire. We asked him why Yorkshire, to which he explained that he had worked there as a young man, and had lived in East Yorkshire.... lo and behold in the same village as my partner, John! Oh and like John, he also was working with young people; he thought he recognised John's name and, on showing John his photo, the recognition was mutual - drinking and work buddies from 40 years ago! What an incredibly small world. I am sure back then it was a pint of bitter though rather than an aged cognac!

We had all too short but really lovely week in France. Should you wish to visit, don't miss Saintes and the stonemasons (all amateurs) workshop, and lovely Pons.

I shall wave you goodbye - next stop/swap, Lostwithiel in Cornwall!"

- Marguerite Abbott (Harrogate, Yorkshire, England)