Big fly for ID please

[SteveF48]

This is really off topic, because I spotted it today and I'm on holiday in the Vendee. The sun is out the temperature has risen and there are all sorts of flies, hoverflies, bees and spiders making the most of it.
I spotted this insect flying around my brother's barn, unfortunately it didn't like me and I only managed to grab this one picture:

Sorry it wasn't taken in Britain, but I'd still like to know what it is please.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Steve,

I thought you were going to say you'd seen this here! It's a Carpenter Bee from the Genus Xylocopa. We do have individuals seen in the the UK sometimes in the South, with I believe one confirmed nesting site one year though I don't know about if it's still in use now.

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Xylocopa violacea, nice one!

Xylocopa violacea

Janet

[SteveF48]

Thanks, now I have to look for another one when I return home