Back home after a wonderful couple of weeks of Languedoc and
a few nights in Barcelona. We really enjoyed the house, most especially the
view from the rooftop terrace where we ate most of our meals. The Manleys
were tremendously helpful, and arranged to have us take part in the moules
et boules fest in the village a few nights before we left.
We liked what we ate and drank almost everywhere we went. One
of my personal favorite local places was the restaurant at the Karting place
in the village. We also had a terrific lunch in Roquebrun. My favorite
surprise sightseeing spot was the convent of Cassan, a beautifully restored,
peaceful place. We spent a night in Nimes, stopping at the Pont du Gard,
which remains absolutely spectacular. At the Roman amphitheater in Nimes,
for a little contrast, we could hear the strains of ZZ Top in concert.
We got to the Mediterranean at Valras Plage and Sete, where
we waded but didn't swim. Though we had brought our suits and towels, a
sudden cool-down with rain at Sete had us walking the empty beach instead.
But we got in a couple of excellent swimming sessions at Lamalou-les-Bains,
where there is a nice big public pool.
Our two younger women went farther afield on foot into the
hills, but my sister and I enjoyed plenty of walking, too. We were sorry not
to be there when the grapes ripened, or for that matter, the figs on all of
those grand trees. The weather was just about perfect. One big, dramatic
storm in the evening, and some heavy rain when we were at the market in
Bedarieux, which didn't stop us from getting beautiful produce and cheeses
and other local items.
The house itself is cozy and comfortable, with plenty of places to perch, good beds, good kitchen equipment and plenty of hot water. Anyone over a certain age (not sure what that is) should know that the stairs are steep and spiraling, but we built up our thighs after a few days.