A winter Tramontane might make your eyes run and your nose stream, and even freeze the oranges and lemons on your trees – but what’s not to like about snow-capped Canigou, cloudless blue skies and crystal clear views? And even if the towns and villages go a little quiet over the winter months, there’s still loads going on in the P-O…naturally! Possibly right outside your window.

I have been impressed by the difference in the styles and tastes of the vinegars available from the Vallespir vineyards. The latest addition to my collection of single estate vinegars is from Treloar Vineyards, which nestles into the base of Mount Canigou. It is wonderfully sweet yet savoury.

His hidden accomplice managed to get our two rucksack/handbags whilst he bamboozled us with horrific tales of the sparks flying from our rear end in loud Spanish and we thanked him prolifically for his time! What a mess.