A big day out for my anniversaire

Sue Woodward wins the Connexion letter of the month and a copy of the Connexion Puzzle Book. Please include your name and address in any correspondence; we can withhold it on request. The Editor’s decision is final.

I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ for the feature on the Arboretum de Balaine (French Living, November issue). I had been pondering what to do to mark my 60th birthday, just wanting a pleasant day out rather than a big celebration, so the article came at exactly the right time.

It was a fair drive north from our home near Issoire in the Puy-de-Dôme department but it was so worth the journey. The autumn colours were still stunning and we spent a good two hours following the marked route around the gardens, admiring the magnificent collection of plants and trees. We took inspiration for our much more humble plot back home! Even the weather was kind (for a November day) and the sun made a brief appearance.

I highly recommend a visit to anyone who has an interest in gardens and we will certainly make return visits in the spring
and summer to see the changes through the seasons.

My significant birthday celebration was made complete by a visit to the nearby historic town of Moulins, capital of the Allier department, and lunch at Le Grand Café, an amazing Art Nouveau style brasserie on the main square.

This lesser-known area of France has so much to offer yet is often overlooked in favour of other more touristy destinations (but maybe that’s all the better for us!)

Thanks Connexion for contributing to a really great day.

Sue Woodward, Haute-Vienne