Born in Guernsey in the Channel Islands and now living for the past 12 years in the Pyrenees Orientale, I work with plants, herbs, flowers and chocolate and enjoy mixing the two together when I am not painting watercolour mandalas.

For those who love craft beers made with passion and integrity, look no further than Maureillas! Christophe Ledan, who originally comes from Lille but has travelled widely around the world, has set up his ‘brasserie artisanale’ in the village. Christophe is a true craftsman, oozing enthusiasm and expertise for his chosen profession.

An important message from the development manager at Perpignan airport who is being told that if their new Flybe flight doesn’t start seeing some bookings, they will lose it. Please share as much as possible, even if this route doesn’t suit you, as routes breed routes and the more present flights are used, the more likelihood that other routes will be created.

This Catalan sauce has a wonderfully complex flavour and conveniently keeps for at least a week in the fridge. It is traditionally served with Calcots, but works beautifully with simply-cooked fish, roast chicken, and even over warm new potatoes. In this instance I suggest serving it with a simple Tortilla Espanola.

Fiona Sass and Cindy Guilbert have much in common. They both live in the High Vallespir….and they both have a passion for edible and medicinal weeds and wild plants.

The association Amis of Patrick O’Brian based in Collioure, O’Brian’s home during the most prolific years of his writing life, has been entrusted with the contents of his writing space. The donation includes O’Brian’s books and papers as well as his writing desk, pens and ink.