I have had a very good week at La Vieille Boulangerie. The weather has been excellent for the time of year, no rain and some days cloudless. Several days temperatures reached well into the 20’s, the coolest reached 20C in the sun.
The purpose of the visit was to prepare the house for letting in the summer. To this end I made progress with a local carpenter making replacement shutters, and meeting Zoe who will look after the house between lets.
I still had time to do some cycling to further explore the area.
The church by the donkey bridge Le Somail
On Thursday cycled along the canal to Le Somail, once a major port on the canal and no a popular holiday destination. I then came home via Ginestas where I had a snack in Les Trois Petits Couchons.
Friday I went in the other direction to Capestang and then back over the hills to Quarante and then home.
Saturday was a drive to St Chinian for paint for the shutters and then to watch the longest rugby match on television.
On Sunday I cycled through the vineyards to Bize Minervois and then came back to watch the local rugby match in the Argeliers stade. The locals Sud Basin Minervois beat Quantante ( all of 5 miles away ) by 28 to 12. An enjoyable match.
Monday saw a visit to Ikea in Montpellier, but in the afternoon I cycled to Bize Minervois via Montoulier.
On Tuesday I visited Olonzac for the market. Although not as large as in the high season it still takes up most of the town, followed by a galette for a very reasonable 6 euros.
On the way back I visited Homps an important boat hire centre on the canal, where things are starting to get rady for the season.
Sadly to today I have to tidy up and get ready for my return flight.
