Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we would like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month, we would like you to meet photographer Alexandra Palombi. Full of energy and positivity, she made the move from Australia to the South of France six years ago and started her business in wedding, portrait and lifestyle photography.
Introduction
Six years ago, I still lived in Adelaide, Australia, with my husband and two daughters. After having a career as an artist in South Australia, I initially started working in hospitality in Australia’s wine industry before becoming a full-time photographer. And then I met Nick, an Australian winemaker in love with the Languedoc region. Ever since I was a kid, I was determined to live in France one day. Although I had never been, I was always drawn to it. So, when my husband wanted to make his dream of winemaking in France come true and asked me to come with him, I said yes immediately.
First time visiting the region
Before we met, Nick had already worked as a winemaker in France and Australia for 12 years. He had even bought a wine estate in the heart of Alaigne, a village near Limoux (1) and Carcassonne (2). To see if we could make it work, we first decided to go on a trip to France in 2014. Having dinner in Carcassonne’s citadel one night, I remembered I had been here before on a tour around Europe when I was 18 years old. And, like then, I fell in love with France again. The citadel was like walking through a history book, and the area around Carcassonne was so green with forests and mountains. We returned to Australia, continued working, and had our beautiful girls. But we always kept in mind that we would go back to settle in France.
Settling in Languedoc
In 2018, we moved to France as a family. Arriving at the wine estate in Alaigne, we knew the place needed a big renovation. As the house hadn’t been changed since the 1950s, let’s say it looked very rustic. We tried living at the Domaine, however, in the end we decided to rent a place. It simply was too challenging to deal with the renovation, setting up our photography and winemaking businesses and raising two toddlers at the same time. This decision gave peace of mind. And now, six years later, we are about to finish the renovation and actually start living on the wine estate.
Alexandra Palombi Photography
As my husband was setting up his winemaking business, I decided to pick up my cameras again (3 & 4). My creativity started to bubble in this absolutely gorgeous region. Since living in the South of France, I literally feel like I’m in a candy shop. The scenery from coast to mountains is beautiful wherever you go. My job is to capture the image of the French dream and bring it to the people; how cool is that?! This can be in various settings, from weddings and family portraits to lifestyle and business photography.
Photography, to me, is about connecting with people. It brings together my creativity and sense of hospitality because I can put my clients at ease and have fun while taking their pictures. Of course, this is especially important when shooting a wedding, a family portrait, or a babymoon, for example. I also enjoy photographing beautiful houses and small businesses. Owners of holiday homes or small businesses sometimes don’t realise that good pictures on their websites and socials can make a difference. The images often are the first line of contact with new clients and, therefore, are an asset to your business. The investment will definitely pay off in getting more bookings. I can take care of the complete package, including styling and rebranding.
Setting up a business in France
My generation is used to doing everything online, so I didn’t find starting my business in France very complicated. The auto-entrepreneur status is pretty streamlined, and I simply went through all the steps on the URSSAF website (which you can find here). Although I have to say that I do have an accountant to help with taxes, as that part does get complicated.
Living in the South of France
Who wouldn’t want to live in the South of France?! The wonderful culture and the cost of living allow us to live a high-quality life. I love the mentality of the people here; they are so nice. The countryside is stunning. When I open my shutters I literally am in a painting with an amazing view of the Pyrenees mountains. I also enjoy the summer vibe, especially at Gruissan. This circular village along the coast has that unpretentious Aussievibe and we sometimes rent a holiday home at the Plage des Chalets. It’s a fantastic family-friendly place with clean beaches and great restaurants.
Our Frozzy kids (French-Australian) have the chance to grow up bilingual. They are also raised in a culinary culture, meaning they will eat a plate full of mussels without any problem. Growing up in France is a gift to them for the rest of their lives.
Best Languedoc wine
I’d have to say the wines from our wine estate, Domaine NJC (5). Our winery/cave is based in Alaigne, and we have vineyards in the Pyrenees-Orientales and also near Limoux. Of course, I know how the wine is made and how much effort and love Nick puts into it. Winemakers in this region still have more freedom and Nick can play around, creating the most fantastic wines. He is almost there with receiving the ‘organic’ label, completing the conversion of years of work. I take pride in designing the labels, organising the marketing, and cooking tons of food during the harvest period. From our terrace house, which has a working cellar and winery at the street level, we host tasting experiences at our cellar door with Nick himself.
Favourite restaurant
Domaine de Capiès in Pomy without a doubt. Not only because Tilly and William Howard helped me massively at the beginning of my business. But also because of Tilly’s passion for food. Being an Anglophone, she has embraced local produce and is always on point. Their wood-fired pizza nights are legendary.
Some other favourites are the sensational restaurant Plan B in Gruissan. And in Toulouse, we like going to Fogo, a restaurant in an old wine cellar.
Perfect day out in Languedoc
I like the simple life in the South of France. So, the family and I would wake up, go to the Sunday market of Espéraza and get beautiful food to make lunch at home. After a siësta, we would have a walk on the Voie Verte, a very safe and beautiful path exclusively for non-motorised traffic. For dinner, we would drive to Gruissan and go to Le Grand Soleil (6). Their margaritas are the best in the world!
