a night walk around Chaniers

On Saturday August the 28th a large group of people were ready to start a night walk around Chaniers. Chaniers is a small town near Saintes. The river Charente is one of its characteristic features. We all met in front of the townhall to collect our tickets because a three-course meal was included in the night walk. No prior experience is expected and there is a reasonable cost to participate ( 8 to 10 Euros per person) We were told that there were about 500 participants. When we came to the townhall our friends had already arrived . So as soon as we got together we had an "ap�ritif" composed of Kir ( white wine and blackberry syrup) or orange juice. Our enthusiatic group decided to start the walk at about 7.00pm , some people were ahead others behind us.
We walked through a narrow street in Chaniers until we reached the river Charente.Then we walked along the Charente passing by a lovely sandy beach where some children were swimming. The river Charente also offers a great opportunity to observe wildlife. Birds and waterfowls use the Charente river as a stop over on their annual migration. We walked past the
" Moulin de la baine " ( a mill called " La Baine" ) and looked round the old wheel. There is a nice restaurant in the former mill and in summer the tables are set on a bridge so you can feed the ducks from your table!
After walking a few kilometres we arrived at our first stop where we had a sandwich composed of rillettes the scenery was peaceful and relaxing. The river Charente, was at its best, the sun was gradually going down. Then after having the starter and a glass of wine we continued our walk and went along fields and the river Charente. After a while we crossed a main road and reached an old church covered with weeds. The church was well-preserved but abandonned by the clergy and the authorities. What a pity! We were all impressed by the magnificent building and stopped to admire the architecture.
Then on the path again! for a few kilometres again until we got to a large clearing, but before reaching the place where we had the main course of our diner we could see a huge smoke coming out in the distance. We had a lovely barbecue and enjoyed our dinner surrounded with a vegetable garden and the wood. The dinner was composed of "�chine" de porc
( pork loin )and beans. We were all impressed by the organization no paper plates and plastic cutlery. Real plates and cutlery and tents to protect ourselves in case it rains., actually it was the second night walk we've joined in and we were all amazed!
After relaxing and chatting with other people we went back to the track again. This part was a bit hilly so it took us some time to get to the top of the hill. At that time of the day it was cooler and we had to wear an extra clothing. Sometimes the night offers an excellent opportunity to see beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. That night it was pitch dark in the forest.And after the sun went down we could barely make out the track especially in the forest. We wished we had brought our torch. Fortunately for us our friend Grazi�la had a small torch and we managed to complete the walk . For those who wish to gain some noturnal exercise and enjoy some night walking don't forget to bring your torch!!! because we need to be more vigilant at night. Then we reached a hamlet where we had cheese and wine again. We continued the walkway along which the organizers had placed some candles which added something spiritual about the night walk. It was breathtaking!
We completed the walk in about 4 hours and finished our meal in front of the townhall. We had an apple pie and a coffee for dessert. If you have never had the opportunity to do some night walking then don't miss this one as it's an altogether different experience. No wonder there were so many people!!! And I'm sure they'll be more next year!