Tuesday - Gouffre de Padirac & Martel

Seeking subterranean refuge from the sunshine, we descended 103 metres into the abyss at Padirac, where we were punted by gondoliers to begin our exploration into the underground world. We marvelled at the shapes of the stalagmites and the stalactites, allowing our minds to wander into a world of cauliflower, broccoli, plates, pancakes and even the local road network.

Some of us were more energetic then others, opting to take the 568 steps to the surface rather than the lift.

Having picnicked in a beautiful park, we embarked on our afternoon overground adventure. In Martel, a steam train took us past picturesque views and through spooky dark tunnels on a round trip back to the medieval village, famous for its seven towers.

After a short reenactment of "Supermarket Sweep" (for those of you old enough to remember it!) at the local Leclerc, all the staff (including the driver) were delighted to receive edible gifts from some of our generous girls.  

We then returned to the school, where we joined our French partners for copious amounts of pizza courtesy of our hosts. Pizza was followed by dessert, and dessert was followed by a few tears as pupils said goodbye to some of the many friends that they had made on the exchange. 

All that remains now is to pack those cases ......