Explore the south of France, the Pyrenees and northern Spain
About this site
Based in the south of France for 25 years, I am an author who specialises in history, landscapes and gastronomy on both sides of the Pyrenees.
There are three main ways to explore my website: (i) use the interactive map (ii) browse the list of selected articles (iii) choose a topic.
Latest articles
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There are four parts to the story of Le Bibent, and together, they make it the most historically interesting cafe in Toulouse: outstanding architecture, catering innovation, political journalism and an assassination conspiracy. READ MORE
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Loarre was built by the Christian kings in the 11th century as a secure base from which to launch their attacks on the Moors. In 2005, it provided a backdrop for Ridley Scott’s movie ‘Kingdom of Heaven’. READ MORE
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The Oppidum d’Ensérune near Béziers is the best example in the south of France of a fortified Celtic settlement. A lawyer called Félix Mouret rode up here in 1895 and wondered why the ground beneath his horse’s hooves sounded hollow. READ MORE
From the archives
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A stroll through the Roman ruins of Lugdunum Convenarum and up to the cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges on its hilltop allows us to visualise the transition from worshipping Roman and pagan gods to embracing Christianity. READ MORE
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The mysteries of Rennes-le-Château have inspired enough books to open a bookshop. At the root of this phenomenal success was a master of creative marketing who had a brainwave in 1956. READ MORE
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This village in the south of France is famous for transforming ewe’s milk into blue cheese worth €350 million a year. Commercial success has left its mark on Roquefort, but not in a way you would expect. An interview with the mayor explains why nearly all the dwellings in his commune are uninhabited. READ MORE
Agriculture
Architecture & construction
Art & culture
Curious tales & strange places
Gastronomic heritage
Industry & commerce
Military history
Prehistory
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