Every season has its charm in the South of France. I always love the first signs of spring with the start of the blossoming mimosa trees, followed by the white pinkish flowers of the almond trees. And then, all of a sudden, it is time for another herald of spring: wild asparagus! Once you know where to look, you will find them everywhere. Hopefully, this post will encourage you to go asparagus hunting for yourself. Mystery Last weekend, our French friends invited us to their secret asparagus picking spot. It felt like we were going to hunt for mushrooms, that autumnal activity wrapped in myst ..read more

In total, the circumference of the Lac du Salagou measures almost 22 kilometres. That might be a bit too much to walk in one day. The Circuit Les Vailhès is a 9.5 km loop trail between the hamlets of Vailhés and Pradines in the North part of the lake and covers a part of these 22 kilometres. Following the lake and the plateau of the Auverne (yes, not Auvergne) will bring you to an amazing landscape of the typical red ruff hills, for which the Lac du Salagou is known. Red ruff Imagine this: many million years ago, the region of the Lac du Salagou was a vast marshland. Over time- almost 40 mill ..read more

Welcome to the oldest city in France: Marseille! This French Grande Dame, the second-largest city after Paris, lies comfortably along the Mediterranean Sea where the sun shines 300 days a year. Known as the ‘Cité Phocéenne’, after the Greek settlers from Phocaea who built the port in 600 BC, you can easily spend a couple of days here absorbing this vibrant city. Let me guide you through the main highlights. Notre-Dame de la Garde The fun part of discovering Marseille is that some of the highlights give you breathtaking views of other highlights. Let me start with the city’s well-known icon: t ..read more

Only a small stroll from Béziers’ centre- and next to French resistance hero Jean Moulin’s birth house- is a restaurant that makes my heart sing. La Cave Chez Max marries love and fresh farm ingredients into honest dishes. Add biodynamic wines from their cellar and craft beers to this, and you will have an authentic experience. Served with good humour and enthusiasm, you’re in good hands with owner Jacques Pons and his cheerful team! Max This time, it was Chéri who found the restaurant on his way to French class. Knowing his love for ‘entrecôte-frites’, I was a bit sceptical. However, when we ..read more

© Ruth-Ann Ivory Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month, we would like you to meet the colourful Ruth-Ann Ivory. Over tea, she explained everything about her upholstery and upcycled furniture business, Le Petit Escargot Bleu. Introduction Growing up in Bedford, England, I finished my illustration study in 2008. As a backup plan, I also got my teaching degree, though, and I started as a textile teacher in ..read more

Two years ago, Stéphanie, Benjamin, and their children changed their Bordeaux life for a new adventure in the Pyrenees, where Benjamin grew up. In Les Angles, they wanted to establish a new life in the historic Hotel Le Bel Angle. And they started by shaking up the restaurant La Table du Bel Angle. A complete interior design makeover now frames the magnificent view of the Capcir Valley, with the Matemale Lake on the right and charming Les Angles village on the left. They’ve topped this off with local, slow-cooked food. You’re in for a treat! Bel Angle This time, Middlest joined me for dinner ..read more

Enjoying Sète from the water is the best way to immerse yourself fully in the so-called ‘Venice of the Languedoc’. And combining it with good food is even better! Booking a table on the deck of La Péniche brings together all the good things this maritime town has to offer. With a glass of white wine in your hands and a plate of juicy oysters in front of you, life seems so easy. The majestic view of the bobbing sailing boats on the bright blue water adds to the instant holiday feeling. Even during working hours… Marine chic Restaurant La Péniche- a barge in English- goes way back. They started ..read more

The Pyrenees Mountains invite you to do some kind of exercise. Whether you’ve spent the day skiing, hiking, biking, or something else, do your muscles a favour and book a couple of hours at the Angléo Balnéo & Spa in Les Angles. A sizeable interior pool and an even larger exterior pool with a jacuzzi, built-in massaging jets, and water fountains will help you unwind fully. Warm water pools On a little ski trip with Middlest, I surprised him with a visit to the warm water pools of Les Angles. The Angléo Balnéo & Spa complex is the beating heart of this lovely mountain village. The near ..read more

The South of France also merits a visit in winter if you like snow. Indeed, the Pyrenees mountains are often covered under a white blanket and guarantee some snow fun. Even if it isn’t snowing that much (like earlier this year…), a couple of snow canons lend a hand. One of the most popular ski resorts is Les Angles. Here, you will find some fine green, blue, red, and even black runs in beautiful scenery. Les Angles ski resort offers 45 slopes covering 55 kilometres between 1,600 and 2,400 metres of altitude. And chances are high that you’ll have a blue sky above you. After all, it is the most ..read more

Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month, we would like you to meet joyful winemaker Delphine d’Aboville. She runs Domaine Allegria in Caux near Pézenas with her husband Ghislain. While enjoying a homecooked lunch with a magnificent view over their wine estate, Delphine told me her story and shared her favourites. Introduction Bonjour! I am Delphine, a winemaker at Domaine Allegria, a family and happy orga ..read more