This year has been a year of settling down and reflection. The family and I slowly got to know Béziers. Of course, I already knew the city, but now I can say I’m a real ‘Biterroise’ as Béziers’ inhabitants are called. And I got to know the city from the inside. I love that I can easily walk around- there are many days that I don’t use my car. Another plus is the many great restaurants on our doorstep. Chéri and I even have a local pub where we like to end the week with a little drink. Living in the centre of Béziers helped us meet a whole lot of people and our neighbourhood feels like a village. I would never have thought this move would give me so much energy.
Food Tour
2023 was also the year when I started my food tours. And it was so much fun showing people around ‘my’ town through local food addresses! Every one of them has a passion for their products, from the baker who invented an original local pastry to the lady who cooks her mother’s and grandmother’s recipes from Nice. Without forgetting the knowledgeable wine sellers and seafood producers, who are always a good stop as well. I plan on continuing the food tours in 2024, so maybe I’ll see you there?
Exciting new things
And just when the year was almost wrapped up, I found a job! And a house! Two very exciting things that almost happened in the same week. As for the career change, I joined France Property Angels to become a real estate agent. They do a great job finding the right property in the South of France (and the French Alpes) for their clients, and I hope I’m a good addition to the team. With the blog, I already like sharing tips about this beautiful region, so if I can combine that with finding the perfect house, it should be ok.
And in the meantime, Chéri and I have made a bid on a house that has been accepted. Well, more than a house, really… as the property includes an in-between house, two garages, a workshop and a covered space. And a big garden with constructible land! As we’re in the middle of the buying process, I can’t really talk much about it- yet… But it looks like 2024 going to be an interesting and active year!
This leaves me with sharing my 10 favourite visits/day trips of the bygone year. I hope it was as good for you as it was for me. And I’m wishing you a very happy, healthy, and energetic New Year!
1. Favourite relaxing getaway: Thalasso & Spa in La Grande Motte
2023 started well with some ‘us-time’ for Chéri and me, as we booked half a day at the Thalasso & Spa in La Grande Motte. This wellness centre is gorgeously situated along the Southern French coast and offers numerous possibilities to relax to the max. And it allows you to visit one of the remarkable architectural buildings for which La Grande Motte is known. As soon as we entered the resort, we felt like a warm blanket of relaxation had been wrapped around us. Our package included a delicious three-course lunch at ‘Les Corallines’ restaurant. The weather was so great that we decided to have our lunch outside by the pool. And there, with the Mediterranean Sea stretching in front of us, la vie was extremely belle.
2. Favourite hike: Gorges d’Héric
I have written about this hike before, but Chéri and I decided to walk the Gorges d’Héric trail again last September. All the kids were up for it, too, and the weather was splendid but cool enough to undertake some exercise. It had been a while since we had walked to the Hameau d’Héric, one of the easiest hikes around. It’s a pretty straightforward one- no extra gear needed- following the Gorges d’Héric for about 5 km upwards and downwards along the same path. Arriving at the top, we ate our picnic (as you do when going to the Gorges d’Héric). Downwards usually goes quicker, however it took a bit longer for us this time though, as the boys had a dip in a magical rock pool with a waterfall.
3. Favourite cultural spot: The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum and the Berbie Palace in Albi
On a family trip to Albi, we discovered the interesting Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in the Berbie Palace. Once the bishop’s palace, it now houses a vast collection of the native Albi artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. You can see some of his early work, but also his famous end of the 19th century Parisian brothel scenes. On top of that, you can learn more about one of Albi’s key monuments, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. And just when you think you have seen it all and want to leave the museum, the Berbie Palace reveals another surprise. Walking around the Berbie palace brought us to a remarkable classical 17th century garden with artfully trimmed boxwood hedges. It’s quite a place for an art museum!
4. Favourite village: Saint-Quentin-de-la-Poterie
As the family and I were enjoying a little holiday in Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Chéri and I went on foot to get some groceries. We told the kids we would be back shortly, but Chéri knew what was coming when we walked into the picturesque village. I couldn’t help myself and gently lured him to stroll around the centre and its cute little roads. Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie is France’s ceramic capital, a stone’s throw from Uzès. Although the village is small, it is the residence of more than 40 craftsmen and women, of whom over 20 potters. While Chéri and I explored the village, we had several peeks through open doors, revealing potters in action. Walking around, we discovered various artists, visited shops and galleries (and bought presents).
5. Favourite town: Carcassonne
This town is not new to me, but it has been a while since I visited Carcassonne. So, I decided to go back in spring, one of the best seasons to visit the citadel (along with autumn) if you ask me. Carcassonne is a perfect example of a fortified medieval city and it is one of the best-preserved citadels in the world, with over 2,500 years of history. Its Gallo-Roman military architecture, 3 kilometres of ramparts, 52 towers and 4 gates appeal to the imagination of many people. The citadel is beautifully perched on a hilltop, and you can see it from afar. The best spots to take a picture are from the Pont Neuf and the rest area Belvédère d’Auriac along the A61 highway between Toulouse and Narbonne (not on the other side!).
6. Favourite restaurant: De Lauzun in Pézenas
When I finally succeeded in making a reservation for Restaurant De Lauzun in Pézenas, I was over the moon. My patience was rewarded, as Chéri and I had a wonderful evening at the hands of Chef Matthieu De Lauzun. He guided us through his childhood flavours mixed with inspiration from his many trips. Cherishing every memory, from his early youth to worldwide expeditions, the talented chef translated them into poetic, well-balanced dishes. We could taste his enthusiasm in every serving. Every course was a symphony of perfectly orchestrated flavours and original tastes. The restaurant’s location adds to the wow factor, as the Prieuré Saint-Jean de Bébian once was the monastery of winemaking Cistercian monks.
7. Favourite activity: Béziers Urban Trail
Every year in October, Béziers is invaded by thousands of sporties during the Béziers Urban Trail. This yearly event first started in 2019, and the 2023 fourth edition attracted over 5,000 participants. Including a friend and I, joining the shortest run of 9k. The organisation knows how to build up the tension via its socials and emails and asked us to come in disguise. So that’s what we did, including tattoos, a Mexican Day of the Dead mask and a headpiece. Showing up in full regalia, we had a ‘Bridget Jones’ moment, as hardly anyone on the 9k went along with the disguise request… It didn’t matter, as the atmosphere was great from the start at Les Allées Paul Riquet to the end at the Place Jean Jaurès. Again, next year?!
8. Favourite family trip: Cycling along the Canal du Midi
The best way to get to know the famous Canal du Midi is from the water. Or next to the water! You can cycle along the canal all the way from Sète to Toulouse. In total, the Canal du Midi measures 240 kilometres, and I decided to take the family and try it for ourselves. And it was great fun! The first part brought us along 50 kilometres from Sète to Béziers (or the other way around, we tried both). We mainly cycled along the Canal du Midi, but a big chunk of the route is along the Lido du Thau via Portiragnes, Agde and Marseillan. Including a stop to have a refreshing dip in the sea and a great lunch at the beach.
9. Favourite wine tasting: Domaine Allegria
Summer evenings in the South of France seem endless. Especially when spending it in good company while enjoying good food and wine. And when you can sit outside, watching the sunset over vines as far as the eye can see, you’re in a dream setting. At wine estate Domaine Allegria in Caux, you can do precisely that. Besides tasting their superb wines, you can join them for a lovely ‘table d’hôtes’ evening. That’s what Chéri and I did last summer, and it was a delightful evening full of culinary surprises. By the time the sun had set completely, smooth jazz tunes replaced the chant of the cicadas. Every course was served smoothly with a smile and a cheerful chat, and you could feel the family love flow. Just for one evening, Delphine and Ghislain made us feel like we were part of the Tribu d’A!
10. Favourite overnight stay: Domaine en Birbès
Heaven on earth does exist, and it’s called Domaine en Birbès. Since Mariëlle and Rob Zandvliet settled in Laurac near Carcassonne, they have created a small paradise for young and old alike. Six holiday homes and six safari lodge tents are spread around the main farmhouse and surrounding grounds. The whole is topped off with a swimming pool. And in the renovated barn, you can spend long summer nights whilst enjoying a sip and a bite. Combined with the Dutch couple’s joie de vivre and hospitality, you’re in for a relaxing vacation. Chéri and I had a wonderful stay at one of their gîtes in the main stone house. And we even had the chance to enjoy Mariëlle’s wonderful cooking skills in the super cosy open barn. It’s a beautiful place that you will want to go back to again and again.
