Saint Cirq Lapopie - Midi Pyrenees

Wow words almost fail me- if you want drop dead gorgeous jaw dropping beauty and untouched mediaeval France go to Saint Cirq Lapopie. Not far from Cahors it rests on the side of a cliff and has a stunning abbey and houses, resturants and quaint shops. We had beautiful weather and less crowds as we went later in the afternoon and it isn't school holidays here. Not for the faint hearted there is a bit of walking involved and the streets are narrow and high- no cars here you park nearby and walk to the village. You will be well rewarded if you make the effort and don't forget to try a glace or sorbet at the icecream stand they're scrummy! xxCorrina.

                                                All Images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

The midi pyrenees region first fewd days

We start our week in the midi-pyrenees region from the 19th September. Our gite is right in the centre of a village called Catus about 15kms to Cahors amd many other villages of note. I can walk just 2mins and I am at the boulangerie for breads and cakes and the boucherie for meats and charcouterie products. Our gite is right on a river with a small bridge. The main house is of large proportions and built out of stone. We have enjoyed visits to Cahors town and markets and the markets at Praysac.

                                                    All photos  Cahors village and market                                                 All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Provence the last few days

While in Provence we have visited Arles where Vangogh lived and worked as well as Roman ampitheatres and more.. We visited the Pont du Gard an ancient Roman system for transporting water and the sights of avignon as well as the city of Aix-en-Provence. Seeing so much ancient history is mind boggling we have been really awe struck.

                                                      Street dancers in Aix-en-Provence

All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012        

French Provincial Market Day

The markets here in Provence are certainly outstanding. At every turn a different fragrance plays havoc with my nose- bunches of Lavender, bowls of olives, preserved tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, all manner of seasonal produce. It seems like the colours are bursting vibrantly and waitng to be painted by an artist or eaten at least. The vendors gladly let you taste their wares because just one taste and you will have to have it! The village goes back to its sleepy town vibe when they pack up and then you can just sit out the front of a cafe or tabac and sip on a perrier while watching the people go by. The temps have been 28-31 degrees everyday so beautiful.

                                                All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Provence - a week for the senses

From Burgandy we made our way to sunny Provence. The temperature has been from 22-31 degrees so far. We are staying in a 200 year ol Gite in the middle of an apple orchard in a tiny place called Saint Andiol, just 10kms to beautiful Saint Remy de Provence and many other stunning places as you'll see in the posts to come. Our gite is so beautiful and we have a pool and all you can eat apples, grapes and figs. We have begun our week here with the St Remy markets on the day after we arrived. This was very busy and so many people. The stalls were full of amazing locally grown and made produce as well as clothing, linens and antiques- we were in heaven! A bit too crowdy for my liking but fab all the same. The food in provence is really gorgeous so fresh and vibrant- every mothful a delight for the senses.

The gite

                                             All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012