Category Archives: Languedoc

Gone Fishing

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Got a Sign up at my door –

There are many things in life of which I cherish my ignorance – Skiing, Fishing, Bungy Jumping, rock-climbing – the list is very long, it is not that I am avoiding exercise, or have fears (well I am scared of heights and telephones) but I find most activities, sports and games boring after the first ten minutes – so fishing would be something which I would be instantly adverse to.

A good friend Terry is, in his own words “Fishing Bonkers” – guests come to our home Villa Roquette who ask where to fish locally – so it was inevitable I woud find out about fishing in the South of France.

Terry telling the boat - It was huge and snapped the end off

Terry arranged a boat trip – a daily outing from Agde which is very close to us. we met at 7:30 and I was prepared to grit my teeth for four hours looking at a piece of inert string.

It was wonderful, the time passed too quickly, although all I caught was two miniature specimens (one spiky and red, the other sleek and shiny) they were fish and the average of two hours of passive string watching for each fish was wondrous.

By Tony Tidswell

Feria in Montblanc

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Bull Running in Montblanc

Villa Roquette Bull Running in montblanc

I took this photo as three bulls were running straight towards me (I was hiding under a lorry) close to our home in Villa Roquette

 

In summer many French towns have a Feria – bulls are released in the streets and aimed at local residents – it is “safe” (ish) as long as you don’t try to be too brave, the bulls do have their horns covered, but they are big and look mean.

 

By Tony Tidswell

Finding Your New Home in France

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Twenty years ago we rented an apartment (in the Beaujolais) and I spent three years exploring every corner of France to find our home. I found the best way to discover France was by rail and stay in local B&B to get the feel of a town or village (and masses of information from the owner) – for us Languedoc was the perfect region with sun, civilization contentment and opportunity, and we have lived here for seventeen years, moving only once, a few kilometers down the road, to a larger home so our parents could come and live with us and our family.

We now run a guest house and many people staying with us do exactly what you suggest, rent a studio or stay as our B&B guest for a few days or up to several months, to understand the region and what it has to offer – many of our guests have now bought homes here and others decided to look in other parts of France.

The only way to discover France (or anywhere I guess) is to live in a community and make it your “home” – as we say on our websites – “stay with us, from one day – to a lifetime” – My advice is to choose one region, go there and stay awhile – every village will have a unique personality so sit in the cafe – talk to the secretary in the Mairie, ask the boulanger about the town and avoid the estate agents – if you don’t fall in love with one place – try another region – if you find your ideal spot, stop looking and your new home will reveal itself

Good Luck

Tony and Carole at Villa Roquette