23. 06. 08. Monday. Virginia went back to Toronto today. It has been hot and sunny every day this week and we have driven to various local spots. The Vermillion coast was a disappointment – too much development and limited access to the coast in places. We went to the beach at Marseillan several times and had a wonderful meal with Claire at Le Galion in Pallavas les Flots. We explored Sete including a visit to the Musée de Paul Valery, and for me a wonderful lunch of grilled sardines! Yesterday we went to the Flea Market at Marseillan where I bought a great old B&W photo of a legionnaire framed with glass for €3! A real bargain! Below is painting of Marseillan plage.
Month: June 2008
Virginia’s Visit
18. 06. 08. Wednesday. Virginia has been here just over a week now and we have been zooming around locally on the scooter. Yesterday she rented a car and we drove north from Montpellier into the Cevennes and had lunch at a wonderful little restaurant recommended by Claire. It is at La Cravatte which is is just north of Le Vigan en route to the Gorges du Tarn. A beautiful spot overlooking the edge of the Cevennes. Unfortunately it was cloudy and a bit rainy but we had a sense of the view through the clouds. After lunch we drove through the Gorge du Tarn to Millau and then over the viaduct (photo by Virginia) back to Clermont. Tomorrow the Vermillion Coast south of Perpignon.
A Weekend Break
Monday 09. 06. 08. Debra and Richard have been staying with me for the weekend en route to Paris after their sojourn in Italy. They arrived Saturday morning on the night train from Turin to Montpellier. Unfortunately there was no consigne at Gare St Roch so they had to come to Clermont to dump their luggage at my place, however, we managed to get the 12.30 bus back into to Montpellier. After lunch on the Comedie we strolled through the Polygone and the Antigone and took a ride on the tramway. We then wandered through the old historic quarter. All afternoon we kept coming across the Gay Pride parade (very restrained compared to the one in TO) and the Fête des Fanfares which is a sort of brass band festival – an odd combination on the same weekend! Returned to Clermont in the evening and had a very pleasant dinner at Le Tournesol. Sunday we had a relaxed breakfast and then climbed up to the chateau. In the afternoon we explored the old town and ended up at Les Negociants for a drink and then La Venizia for dinner. This morning was an early start and they caught the 7.30 bus back to Montpellier where they were talking the TGV to Paris. It was a very convivial weekend and now they have sense of this little town in the Hérault.