Eight (and often nine) go mad in the Drome

Chateau Columbier has the three R's as it's strapline, but don't be fooled into thinking that it's some kind of Dotheboys Hall. The three R's in question are Relax, Refresh, Renew, and it does what it says on the tin.
This is an environment where you can express yourself and our company certainly felt able to do so in many different ways. The natural thespians amongst us found inspiration in the Chateau's ambience and slipped with ease through a gamut of characters including mafiosi, sectarian bigots, Cockney wideboys and endless variations on a theme of Inspector Clouseau.

Without doubt this is God's Acre, and we have seen flora and fauna in abundance: a swallowtail butterfly, vultures, kites, lizards (paying homage to their Lord and Mentor Long Don, the Lizard King) a hoopoe and a scorpion being highlights. A leisurely walk by the nearby River Eygues ended in the hospitable auberge in Les Pilles where a beer or two quenched our barely earned thirst. We have sampled two of the local restaurants and have found both to be of the highest quality. As a digestif we entered the House of Horrors in the travelling fair in Nyons - truly terrifying. A wine tasting trip to Vinsobres was very satisfying - and siesta-inducing.

We have been forced to delay the celebrations of La Fete de la Valise Retrouve as the missing case has still not arrived. The bunting has yet to be hung out and the bacchinalean feasting must wait - Ryan Air plays God with us, and I cannot wear my Martin Chuzzlewit underpants. It's a hard life to be sure.

Avignon was splendid and atmospheric, enhanced greatly by listening to Radio Nostalgi on the way there and back - how can a wonderful country like France produce so much tacky music?

We have graduated from Chateau Colombier with honours in laughter, madcappery, kir royales, fine wines, haute cuisine, music and much conviviality. We intend to return for postgraduate studies in the same subjects before too long. I strongly recommend that you, dear reader, consider doing the same.

Jimmy Baudelaire (of The Baudelaire Brothers)