Stone house in the south of France, large garden, rented directly from the owner
An inn that is as isolated as possible yet strategically well placed, preferably in the middle of dark forests, happily housed in old stone walls, frequented by shady customers and run by a hardly trustworthy pair of innkeepers, is one of the classic, popular settings, much used in European pulp literature, for criminal and mostly rather bloody goings-on. Continue reading “The bloody inn in Celtic country: the “Auberge Rouge” (L’Auberge de Peyrebeille) near Aubenas”
Provence – the sound of the name alone conjures up holiday feelings. You cannot help picturing the azure sea, fine-sand beaches, a fascinating landscape, black bulls and white horses before your mind’s eye. Provence and the Camargue – these are terms that make riders’ hearts beat faster. Here space and unspoilt nature beckon, here riders’ dreams come true. Fortunately the ambitious rider finds a very varied choice and can pick from a wide range. Continue reading “Horse-riding holidays in Provence and the Camargue”
Located in the south-east of France, the Ardèche département offers tourist as well as oenological attractions of a special kind. The region is named after the Ardèche river, which winds its way through impressive valleys and gorges and flows into the Rhône after 125 kilometres. No less impressive are the Côtes du Vivarais, extending over almost 650 hectares of vineyards, whose wines enjoy an excellent reputation among connoisseurs. The wine-growing region has indeed borne the Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS) designation since the 1960s, but has only been allowed to use the name AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) since 1999.
Continue reading “The Vivarais – a tourist and oenological gem in the Rhône-Alpes region”