We were due to head home to London today but have decided to delay our return until tomorrow. Which makes us all feel like we have an extra day free to do with whatever we desire. What a treat!

After much deliberation it is agreed we need a nice long walk, fresh air, and scenery so off 4 of us head.

We set off in the direction of the Abbey Des Valloires with not much hope it would be open (we were right) but it was good to have a destination in mind. This mile-long walk was not nearly long enough so we added another couple of steep miles by walking around the back of the Abbey.

When I return to France with Kate McKinnon in February the Abbey will be open, and entrance to the gardens will even be free and hopefully the resturant will be open too. If you think you could make it do you fancy joining us for lunch? Seriously- why not? Contact me and I can take you on the same walk.

I can scarcely believe that this trip will be happening. I think 2012 is going to be a weird and wonderful year.