Wednesday
Some of us went to the Vide Grenier (bit like a car boot sale only much better) at Bruniquel, a picturesque Bastide town with narrow cobbled streets and a romantic castle.  I found embroidered antique linen sheets! When we got back most of the men had gone lake fishing (they caught a trout), while some of the others had gone shopping in Montauban. For dinner we’d opted for the delivered barbecue service. It was delivered pre-prepared,  including a range of fresh salads, and all we had to do was follow the instructions for cooking on the professional gas barbecue. The coriander, lemon and garlic marinated tuna steaks were to die for!

Thursday
We couldn’t decide what to do today so we took a vote.  Our choices were to visit Rocamadour, the spectacular natural and religious site perched high on rocky cliffs and the nearby Gouffre de Padirac, an enormous cave complex with underground riverboat ride.  Or a visit to Moissac and the cloisters of the Abbey Saint Pierre, for centuries an important pilgrimage destination. Our third option was a wine tasting  tour around the Cahors vineyards on the banks of the Lot. After much discussion we decided to abandon all plans and have a chill-out day at the Chateau playing water polo and sunbathing.  Bliss!

Friday
Promised the children we’d go to Cap Decouverte, a 1,600 acre outdoor activity park. I must say it was amazing with go-karting, boating, tobogganing, water skiing,  snowboarding and the longest zip wire and dry ski slope in Europe! There was even a beach with giant inflatables and a trampoline in the lake. The children were in heaven and we didn’t even get around to the mountain biking or in-line skating.  I still can’t believe that entrance was only  €10 a head. We stopped at pretty medieval Cordes on the way back for dinner. Wished we’d had more time to explore – next time hopefully.

Saturday
Sadly it’s time to leave Chateau Dumas so after packing up and a final group photo we all went our separate ways. Those heading north were going via Cahors to see the 14th century Valentré bridge and bustling Saturday morning market while those going south were aiming for Space City (planetarium, rockets and space stations) and the vibrant street life and great shops of Toulouse. We’ve all had such a brilliant holiday and so much fun – we’ll definitely be back. A bientôt Chateau Dumas.