Surroundings

If you just want to be here, take it gently and see what comes along, this is what Ali and Lizzie like to do.

Buy a portion of steaming fresh paella from Pézenas Saturday market and cycle into the vineyards with a bottle of wine, a book and a picnic blanket.

Potter along the tree-lined Canal du Midi near Capestang or Béziers by foot, by bike or by day-trip canal boat.

Head off to the huge flea market at Marseillan where you'll find everything for sale from exquisite silver snuff-boxes to a pair of used socks.  Have a coffee watching the world saunter by and follow it up with a finger-licking seafood lunch on the coast and a snooze on the beach.

Take the train and a picnic to Millau and see the most beautiful new bridge in the whole wide world, the Millau Viaduc.  The town beneath is lovely too and famous for its leather goods and the beautiful views at the end of every street.

If there's a summer fete on (and there always is in some village or other in August) book a bad meal at one of the long tables, chat to 4 generations of our lovely French neighbours and hit the dance-floor when the band strikes up.  Edith Piaf, Black Sabbath, Amy Winehouse, Eminem - the local cover-bands (complete with go-go dancers and 30 changes of costume) take a crack at them all.  It's noisy and it's fun.