“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” – Helen Keller. Or was it “Life is a great adventure or nothing”? In any case, life should be an adventure. For most of us, travelling is a great adventure, and sometimes a daring one. Whether you are trekking through the mountains, horseback riding on the beach,…Read more »
Category: occitanie
Rocamadour
A stunning village perched on a cliff in the bountiful Lot. The Lot department, once of Midi Pyrenees and now of Occitanie is a place of great natural beauty. Around the Lot valley there are spectacular caves to visit including the Gouffre de Padirac and the Grotte de Pech Merle. The main city is Cahors,…Read more »
Via Garona
click for music – by Basquing Spring is here and it is time for hiking and biking! The GR 861 hiking trail connects the sites of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle between the stunning Basilica Saint-Sernin in Toulouse and the majestic cathedral of Saint Marie in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Known as ‘la Via Garona’, the route runs along the river…Read more »
Aigues Mortes
In the heart of the Camargue Gardoise is the medieval city called Aigues-Mortes. In an unusual and lovely area of Occitanie is the impressive walled city, rich in heritage and culture. For information about the Camargue click here If you are travelling around the seemingly endless Languedoc coast and need a break from the beach this…Read more »
Toulouse-Jolimont
Jolimont – Reflections from above. A walk………… To the east of the historical centre of Toulouse is a hillside neighbourhood called Jolimont, not far from where I live. For visitors to Toulouse there are a couple of unique places of interest around Jolimont. The cemetery Terre-Cabade et Salonique and the Parc de l’Observatoire. If you…Read more »
Infatuated with the Mirror
When you travel do you wonder what it’s like to be from the place you’re visiting? Are you the kind of traveller who takes everything in as a spectator, or someone who really lets a place into your heart? Discovering local music and local musicians is a great way to dig deep into the soul…Read more »
Superbagnères – Pyrenees
The ski station of Superbagnères overlooks the valley of Bagnères de Luchon, known simply as Luchon. As I have mentioned in other posts the resort is attractive in all seasons but winter is simply the best! I am suffering with the flu although, hallelujah, I think I am finally getting the better of it. I…Read more »
Gaillac
The city of Gaillac is located in the Tarn department, formerly of the region of Midi Pyrenees. When Midi Pyrenees joined Languedoc Roussillon, becoming Occitanie, it also became the region of France which produces the most wine. Gaillac is known as one of the oldest vineyards of France (4th century BC). The area produces a…Read more »
Toulouse – Up in the Air
Much of the growth and vibrancy in the city of Toulouse is to do with the aerospace industry. In and around the former region of Midi Pyrenees around 80,000 people, including me, make a living from the aviation industry. Toulouse is home to a number of important aerospace related companies, including Airbus and the European Space…Read more »
Christmas Market Toulouse
For just over a month at the end of each year there is a Xmas Market in Toulouse, with artisanal gifts to buy and delicious seasonal treats to try. There are even a few friendly Quebecois kicking around selling poutine and queue de castor as well as maple syrup and ‘tartinade d’erable’, or maple spread…Read more »