The French love murals (fresques) on the outsides of buildings, and they are found in towns and cities all over France. The fun thing about murals is that they add a scenic interest to an otherwise bland wall or building, suddenly adding an element that is at once thought-provoking and charming, with a story to […]
Aligot. Just hearing the name gets my mouth watering and starts me thinking of cooler Fall days when heavier comfort foods come back into season, after a Summer of eating more lightly. I am in love with l’aligot and often order it in restaurants, but we also make it at home, from time to time. […]
While in Perpignan, a few days ago, we happened upon the shops of Hélène Colls. Situated on either side of a small street, at a corner of La Place de la République, these two little boutiques display and sell the stuff that gourmets’ dreams are made of. Closest to the place is the original shop […]
Yesterday, we spent the day walking around Perpignan. Each time we go there, I am reminded of why I love it so much. The small city has such a vibrant esprit, and the old historic center, especially, is just loaded with charming buildings, shops, squares and places to eat, drink, or simply pass the time […]
The town of Montagnac, like almost every other town in all of France, has a weekly, outdoor market. In any region, market days vary from town to town, so that they don’t overlap, meaning you can shop at a different one every day of the week, if you desire. The Montagnac market is held every […]
According to a list of the top 10 worldwide regional destinations to visit in 2018, which has just been released by Australia’s travel guide, The Lonely Planet, the ranking puts Languedoc-Roussillon in 4th position for its “various and varied charms: white sand beaches, sapphire waters, rustic markets and hills covered with maquis …” I thought […]
There are many houses in this region with ornamental, sculpted faces added to their façades. I love the way this personalizes homes – often with a bit of humor – and frequently with a jovial smile. Some of these faces are amazingly expressive. Most are quite old. Once you start looking for them, you find […]
Sunday lunch is a big deal in France. Everyone stops what they are doing to eat a long, slow and relaxing meal – usually with family and/or friends. It is a time to kick back and concentrate on good food, in the company of all generations, from babies to great-grandparents. Whether at home (grand–mère‘s house […]
One of the most pleasant places I know is the Abbaye de Valmagne, which happens to be conveniently located about 10 minutes from our town. This beautiful old abbey was founded in 1138 by Raymond Trencavel, Vicomte de Béziers, and was originally a Benedictine and then later a Cistercian monastery, but was in danger of being destroyed following the […]
La Joie de Vivre 