What to do, where to go....
Over the years we have picked grapes on the steep muddy hills of Epernay, chipped mussels off cold Atlantic rocks and ice off our windscreen, visited Agincourt, Crecy and Normandy’s battlegrounds and driven the Loire valley. We have explored the grey historic cities of northern France, paid our respects at dawn at the Menin Gate.
Eight years ago we purchased last minute tickets to Perpignan and fell in love with a different France, a France of sunshine, Grenache, warm Mediterranean water and Picasso blue skies.
Five years later we found ourselves on the Euroshuttle with a one way ticket and keys to a flat bought on line. Brexit had been announced, we took the hint and headed south….and we’ve been having so much fun ever since that we just wanted to share.
Its been a busy time lately, great fun. Exploring things to do, places to go and where to enjoy the occasional lunch. Pop back for more next week.
Fortresses de Salses
Never fought, two owners from new. If it was a car it would be a DB6 which has spent its entire time in storage. Stroll around and be Jon Snow for an hour or practise your Hamlet on the battlements. A full summer programme, astronomy to zoology.
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Sirocco Festival
19ieme Sirocco Festival, sound and image from Africa, Morocco, Spain, Andalusia and Catalonia, relocated to Argelès-sur-Mer, bigger than ever. Ska, regge, rocksteady, smooth soul, horns and hot licks. Attended the last two, loved the easy 70’s vibe.
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Printemps de l’Aspres
Get to the final on 1st June at Chateau Planeres. Stephene Grapelli themed evening of music and wine under a velvet southern France sky. It really doesn’t get much better than this. Pre booked tickets would be simpler or buy them at the door from Odile.
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….and a little rant……
Greek Restaurants in Perpignan? Not one, zero and we counted them twice.
The Catalans love merguez sausages, olive oil, tomatoes and garlic. Tzatziki could be straight out of the Catalan dicccionari,. We have Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai. We have a Hippopotamus steak house, burger bars and near the station is the best Indian restaurant to be found this side of the Kyber pass…. yet no Greek restaurants.
The Greco – Catalan relationship goes way back. Catalans ruled Athens and Aoeolia, home of Aeolus the god of wind. One of the windiest places in Greece, they felt right at home. Catalan was the official language and a syndic ran every town. So why no Greek restaurants?
It’s about money. A centuries old Brexit sized financial dispute. Roger de Flor revised the quote after the work was done and the greeks objected which sounds familiar. Until that is resolved it will be a brave Greek who opens a restaurant in Perpignan and a brave Catalan who has a restaurant in Athens.
Comments or questions to Tony on: Wineclub66@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
