Marans - a nearby town that is 10km from the coast and yet carries a name that means "sea place" hmmmm...

 And yet when you stroll along the river you can see every sign of how this could have been a prosperous port that lost its right to trade in 1598 with the Edict of Nantes. At least that is what we figured out reading an orientation board in the town.

There is also an attractice looking market hall that hold markets on  a couple of mornings a week. Along with a fair selection of cafes and bars it looks a real propspect for a more thorough visit in the spring and summer.

M&A were not at the house when we got back but they have left a mysterious note about a visit from the fire brigade that we will have to learn more about on their return!