Beziers

[mickthecactus]

I’m off there for a few days on the 15th. Anybody know anything about it?

[kerouac2]

My parents lived in Béziers for two years, so I visited a number of times. It's a kind of sleepy retirement city but quite nice and not too far from some good beach areas. The current mayor of Béziers is very close to the Front National and has regularly been taken to court for illegal and discriminatory measures against certain elements of the population. Normally, this should not concern visitors, but it is a good reason to watch what you say when you are there.

[mickthecactus]

Thanks K2. I shall be the soul of discretion...

[mickthecactus]

We aren’t actually in Beziers. We are in Magalas, a little ancient town about 30 minutes away.

[mickthecactus]

27 here today. Summer has come in with a bang!

[lagatta]

Only wish that would happen here! It is so bloody cold this year... But I'd rather do without the FN.

[mickthecactus]

We are back!

The weather was wonderful, the region Languedoc was stunning and the food some of the best I’ve had.

Pictures to follow.

[kerouac2]

It is a beautiful region. I certainly enjoyed it during the several times that I visited my parents there, and they were also happy to be able to drive to the Costa Brava for short holidays from time to time.

[mickthecactus]

Test

[kerouac2]

Wow! Fantastic place. They don't have anything like that in Blighty!

[mickthecactus]

Are you taking the mickey young K2?Just a test. Only set up pictures on the new pooter today. Full report tomorrow.

[bixaorellana]

You got a new computer??!

That's always a thrill, plus now the rest of us can look forward to your wonderfully expansive posts and pics of yesteryear.

[mickthecactus]

Magalas seemed to me to be a quintessential French village with ancient buildings, little streets and a square where it all happens. Unfortunately we weren't able to explore it as much as we would like. It is in an enormous wine growing region and everything revolves around wine. The house we stayed in was once a wine warehouse. Here are few pictures to give you an idea -























One very ancient tree



The view from the highest point of Magalas




We ate in the village first night and had one of the best pizzas I have ever had (not very French I know). Interesting menu though...

[kerouac2]

Jeez, they still don't know how to translate "steak à cheval"? That's a chopped beefsteak with a fried egg on top ("riding horseback"), not to be confused with steak de cheval.

Actually, pizza arrived on the French Mediterranean coast from Naples before it ever got to Rome or Milan. Of course that doesn't make it better or worse or more French.

Looks like a nice village!

[mickthecactus]

I'm disappointed that it wasn't horse steak!

Actually there were a lot of pizzerias wherever we went but the quality of food and quality of cooking were some of the best I have had.

[mickthecactus]

We went off to the coast first day but the only thing of note was all the flotsam and jetsam on the beach. The only thing worth taking a picture of was this enormous washed up tree trunk. Apparently they were just about to set everything up for the season and clear up the beach.



And here's a restaurant slate for K2 to make him feel at home.





Next up is Roquebrun, one of the prettiest place I have been to. Pics tomorrow.

[bixaorellana]

Wow, Mick -- looks like you have really beautiful weather to visit that beautiful area. Did you stay in one town as a base, or move around some? Love the photos and am looking forward to more soon.

[mickthecactus]

We stayed at Magalas but visited. Here is the lovely Roquebrun -





















I loved this house at the end of the bridge with the rose trained along the front railings.



Obviously, I drooled over the veg gardens which were weeks ahead of mine.



This fig tree was just growing out of the wall -





We ate at a little restaurant overlooking the river. I had roast guinea fowl with rustic fried potatoes. It was served with a mushroom sauce and an enormous plate of mixed mushrooms. All cooked to perfection. Duck for Mrs Cactus.

[kerouac2]

One rarely goes hungry in that part of France -- nor dies of thirst if wine is an acceptable beverage.

I am admiring the perfect blue skies that you had. I don't know if it was warm enough, but at least you got to see more of the sun than we did in northern France.

[mickthecactus]

May 6, 2018 15:53:51 GMT kerouac2 said:

One rarely goes hungry in that part of France -- nor dies of thirst if wine is an acceptable beverage.

I am admiring the perfect blue skies that you had. I don't know if it was warm enough, but at least you got to see more of the sun than we did in northern France.

It was about 26c. Very acceptable.
Just like it is here today.

[bixaorellana]

It all looks heavenly, Mick. Is that the River Orb? I love all of those water views, but especially the one with it rushing over the rocks.

The food report has me dying of envy.

[mossie]

It looks as though you picked the perfect spot to relax in.