August in France





Le Chateau is overrun with gorgeous babies, sometimes gurgling, sometimes emitting hot fractious cries but mostly providing non stop amusement. Delighted small children float around the pool on blow up toys, weary parents lie back under the shade of the Fig Tree and contemplate another balmy evening ahead perhaps with a glass of the local Malpere wine.

August is well and truly upon us here in the Languedoc. The small village of Lasserre de Prouille is bursting at the seams with holiday makers all intent on making the most of the divine weather, the gentle sound of clattering cutlery and chinking glasses carries through the still evening air.

His Lordship and I took ourselves off to meet our friends Michael and Nicole in Lagrasse the other evening. Lagrasse is a popular Medieval village down in the Corbieres. They have the most divine property nestled on the banks of the Orbieu river with a stunning terrace overlooking the dramatic gorge. Nicole was an Interior Stylist in London so their self catering accommodation has a really delicious feel and look of a boutique hotel. Mind you they came back to us the following week and declared that they would like a house swop. I declined naturally !! Michael sells desirable properties and keeps a half beady eye on Le Chateau but I remain infuriatingly discreet and continue to steadily pull in the bookings.

Meanwhile what you really want to be doing at the hottest time of the year is to have your own living accommodation topsy turvy and in a state of disarray. Finally persuaded His Lordship that as authentic as the 70's style tiles were we really deserved to bring ourselves into the 21st century and we are now gliding over cool shades of grey underfoot. 'Whilst we're at it' I said 'wouldn't it be marvellous to knock through the kitchen into the sitting room so that we have a panoramic view of the Pyrenees, vineyards and mountains beyond as I slave over the hot stove' ?

'The sunflowers are beginning to droop' he said, 'best be off and get your last lot of stunning shots'

It occurred to me later that this was a blatant diversion tactic but I said nothing.

Comments

Preseli Mags said…
It's no good. I'll just have to move to Languedoc. Sounds just bliss!
Sarah said…
A truly stunning photo!
I'll be sad to see the sunflowers go!
Sarah
www.beauregardtheblog.com
Blossomcottage said…
I have just written my blog whilst looking out on the wind and rain, I think I am on my way to France. Beautiful photos.
Blossom
Elizabethd said…
Fed up with rainy Brittany!
LittleBrownDog said…
Gorgeous, gorgeous photo, Sally. Yup - rain here too! (jealous emoticon...)
Frances said…
Once again, I do thank you for the glimpse of where I would rather be. August in NY (although the crowds of European tourist do not offer proof) is no place to enjoy. It is more of a place to endure.

I really did enjoy that sunny breeze with sunflowers from your part of the world.

xo
ChrisH said…
Hmm, not sure about the gorgeous babies and would resent the little darlings floating around in the pool... perhaps I'm not a natural candidate to takeover Le Chateau as I would like it all to myself!
bradan said…
Sounds like heaven, even with the little babies!
Pipany said…
Oh I love that pictue Sally. Just gorgeous and so atmospheric xx
Fire Byrd said…
How gorgeously evocative, the words and picture. I've spent many summers down in Provence when my friends lived there, and there is something so divine about doing nothing but sitting in the shade with a glass, a dish of olives and a book. Thank you for bringing it back to me.
Exmoorjane said…
Love the new blog format. Sorry, I've been rubbish at commenting lately - all been a bit bonkers....so big apologies. Jxxxxx
Cait O'Connor said…
I wish I was there, it's all too beautiful and babies too.
Pat Posner said…
I saw you on Kitty's blog and popped over to say 'Hello'.
The picture is great, you live in a lovely place.

My other half is into cars from 1930s-50s but he doesn't drive one, he scratch-builds Historic Racers from that era.

It's pouring with rain here, in North West England.
YOu know I do envy you the sun - but my own love affair with Scotland is far to powerful for me to ever think of giving it up.

So did you go and photograph the sunflowers . . . temporary diversionary tactics . . . your plan will keep.
Pondside said…
I love the new look of your blog site - very sleek.
You make the Languedoc sound irresistable - badly want to come over there and float in that pool!
blogthatmama said…
Just reading that post made me feel like I was on holiday, so relaxing!
mpprh said…
"Le Chateau is overrun with gorgeous babies, sometimes gurgling, sometimes emitting hot fractious cries but mostly providing non stop amusement. Delighted small children float around the pool"

Just what you need to test the pool alarm ?

Peter
Car Hire Cyprus said…
I really enjoyed this article,thanks for posting.

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