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.