The Squadron visited La Rochelle, Cognac and Saumur

David Allison having a mini crisis en-route with smoke in the cockpit and a forced landing. We arrived at the Hotel de La Monnaie, and after our three-course picnic in a box (a first!) it was time for a walking tour of the beautiful old town of La Rochelle. We heard about the 100 years’ war and the shipping of salt and wine since Roman times. We also had a visit of the Bunker Museum and learned about life for the inhabitants of La Rochelle during WWII. The next day we met our guides at the harbour and boarded the boat to the Ile de Re. During the walking tour of the capital Saint Martin we learned more of the shipping history and saw the walls and Citadelle built by the famous architect Vauban. Vauban was given the task to protect the Kingdom of France from invaders, and Saint Martin de Re is one of twelve fortifications he built to defend the borders of France. The prison carefully concealed within the old fortress, that once held convicts before they were sent abroad to penal colonies, remains a prison today. It provides work for many of the locals and houses approximately 1500 convicts from all over France. After a delicious lunch at the Old Port, it was time to explore the island on electric bikes. The bike paths wound round salt marshes and inlets till eventually we ended up at the Salt Museum. Here we saw the process of extracting salt from seawater and learned about the stages it went through before becoming table ready. On our return to La Rochelle we crossed to the mainland by the new road bridge and had a wonderful view of the huge concrete U-boat pens now sadly closed to visitors due to instability. That evening Patrick had arranged dinner at the acclaimed seafood restaurant La Yole de Chris. A delicious dinner and a very jolly time had by all.
After a leisurely start on Thursday, it was time for the short flight to the little airfield of Jonzac. The president of the aeroclub welcomed us all with a glass of the local brew and a hearty salad lunch. Afterwards we set off to see the beautiful Chateau Plassac where we were met by our host Henri de Dampierre. This chateau had once hosted the feisty Duchesse du Berri on her way north in a quest to ignite enthusiasm for royalty once more and install her son on the throne. The chateau today is only a third of the original building and a herculean mission for the family to restore and keep running. We visited their “chais” and had a tasting of the Pineau they produce. Next it was back on the bus and off to Cognac and the wonderful Hotel Chais Monnet. Richard Hubbard had an interesting moment or two with his passengers as due to aircraft practising for the weekend air show he was kept in hover for 30 minutes before being able to land. A good view of the surrounding countryside was had by his passengers! That evening everyone had a delicious dinner at the hotel and drinks afterwards at the roof top bar. On Friday we had an amazing tour of Maison Hennessy. A very slick presentation on the stages of cognac production, the different vineyards Maison Hennessy use to create their distinctive flavours, and the collaborations with various artists and Lalique for the special collection bottles – and of course a tasting! Next it was off to the Chateau Bagnolet where we were met by our host Maurice Hennessy. This lovely old house is used by Hennessy to entertain clients, including those from the wine trade and “influencers” (quite often rappers!) who enjoy their cognac. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens which run down to the Charante River. We sat on the terrace and were given a truly memorable lunch – several members commented that it was one of the best in recent memory. That afternoon one or two (who could still walk) embarked on a walking tour of Cognac with our guide Silvio whilst most relaxed in the spa, before we had drinks with Jacques Hennessy at La Billarderie. The evening was free but there is photographic evidence to show that sometime later on many Squadron members met up with the Patrouille de France at the awesome roof top bar! One or two members had to peel off early for family and work commitments but most of the party continued to Saumur.

We were met at Saumur airfield by the female president of the aeroclub who was busy organising the refuelling of a plane containing some parachutists, and was somewhat concerned about the parking of the Squadron aircraft. Philippe Cotrel descended from his Yak to rescue the situation and she was all smiles thereafter. We departed in a fleet of minivans to our hotel and after some discussion we were directed to a restaurant in an underground cave which was a welcome relief from the heat outside. The restaurant staff were somewhat bemused at a large group with no prior booking descending on them but came up with a feast. At this point our timekeeping lapsed a little and there was a decision to be made, either Tank Museum or Chateau Saumur. Good reports were received from both destinations. Sabine and Philippe Cotrel had managed to get tickets for the performance of the famous Cadre Noir whilst the rest of us settled down to a glass of wine and our last supper of the trip. Much merriment was had by all.

With thanks to William Moore a few more photos on : https://adobe.ly/3sVFXqI