Chapter 48

(Above, a picturesque view of Tremolat)

Back in the car, Constantin said, "We should have no trouble reaching Sarlat before dark. Might I suggest we go through Les Eyzies. It's a prehistoric gem and worth seeing. Then we can stay in Tremolat. I'll call ahead and make a reservation at Le Vieux Logis. It's right on the Dordogne and very comfortable.

Besides, our meeting is for tomorrow afternoon with my old friend France Francheville, right in Sarlat. Saturday is market day in Sarlat. It's world famous. Some say it's the best market in all of France. They literally take over the whole city. We can stay overnight. There's a marvelous restaurant there where we can have dinner.

David Denis is from nearby Dromme. The art collector might meet us there and then we can return home on Sunday. Everyone agreed. Bruce was looking forward to seeing Sarlat. It was fast becoming the hottest tourist venue in the region.

They Drive Along the Veyzere River

They drove along the Veyzere River with rough cliffs along the side. Perfect for caves, Bruce thought and sure enough large openings in the rock walls began to emerge.

Constantin explained that there were many caves and grottos in the area. There was even a prehistoric museum but unfortunately it wasn't open on weekends. On the cave walls one could see drawings of bison, mammoth, reindeer and even human figures.

They continued through the unassuming village and decided to continue on to Tremolat.

When they arrived, Bruce was surprised at the size of the town. There were two stores close to a very simple Romanesque church. Le Vieux Logis was a welcome contrast.

It was a reconverted and expanded old manor with private apartments and sumptuously decorated rooms. In the main dining room there was a huge fireplace that took the dampness out of the room. The service was outstanding and the menu typical of the area. Between the three of them, they enjoyed foie gras, roasted pigeon and goose and a selection of local river fish cooked with truffles. They found the walnut cake to their liking, walnuts being a major crop of the area.

A Walk Down the River as the Light Disappears

This was consumed with a dark fruity Puy Fromage from the St Emillion region farther north. They walked down to the river as the last light disappeared. There they watched the water move gently to the sea as Bruce swirled the Martel Cognac in a traditional sifter. The others preferred Armagnac. Constantin joined Bruce in a fine cigar.

Then they retired to their respective rooms and Bruce couldn't help feeling the serenity of the area. He was concerned with what Dr Biot had told him and eager to discover what Sarlat would bring.
He slept peacefully and satiated.

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