The clever network of signal towers (tours à signaux) that you see on the high mountain tops around the region date back to the 13th century. They were originally set up by the Rois de Majorque as a defence system to protect the Roussillon from invaders and to enable the passing of information around the region, using fire and smoke signals.
One of their great writers, Jean de La Fontaine, produced French versions of fables, in verse and with illustrations. There are twelve volumes, with stories such as The Ant and the Grasshopper, told with elegance, wit and verve, in simple French which is usually easy to understand today. Each teaches a lesson about our relationships with society.
Until the French Revolution, Madame, (my Lady, equivalent to Monsieur, my Lord) was mainly used to address the bourgeoisie, whilst Mademoiselle, (my Damsel) was the form of address used for both younger and older ‘common’ ladies.
Did you know that grève also means sandbank or pebbly beach and actually comes from Place de Grève, a flat and sandy area on the banks of the River Seine in Paris (now Place de l’Hôtel de Ville)?
Test your French with a lovely springtime poem: Premier sourire du printemps by French Romantic poet, Théophile Gauthier
A delightful circuit of 10.5 kilometres which takes about 3hrs 45mins and includes 250 metres of ascent. The official tourist guide book says it takes 2 hours 40 mins – unfortunately we are past the age of fell running!
The french language often uses the verb ‘avoir’ (to have) in expressions where the english language uses ‘être’ (to be).
Phil of Spectrum explains that with markets reeling in response to the newly announced “Liberation Day” tariffs, it’s completely natural to feel unsettled.
Birth of a Baby ‘Panthère de l’Amour
Find out a bit more about these amazing creatures which are so important for the planet and what to do if you see a swarm approaching.