Languedoc links
To check out any of the seriously good links below, simply click on the bold print... Thus, to read my blog click on FRENCHFLAKES...
For useful websites with all sorts of valuable local information on holidaying in France, check out About France. For information on the Languedoc see Creme de Languedoc as well as FrenchEntree
To hire fully equipped quality BICYCLES talk to Phil Donnison at MellowVelos. Phil can suggest different cycling routes but for alternative routes check out also Gerry Patterson's cycling sites Cycling Languedoc and his blog Mr Patterson goes to Languedoc. The most informative booklet about cycling the Canal du Midi is that written by fellow Irishman Declan Lyons - see Cycling the Canal du Midi.
For great foodie excursions think of visiting the closeby OLIVE PRESSES of l'Oulibo in Bize... or my favourite BEE KEEPER Miellerie des Clauses. If you go for guided visits, I promise that olive oil, honey and bees will take on a different meaning in your life! And don't forget to visit the Saltpans of Gruissan or LES HALLES in Narbonne (on a par with the Boqueria food market in Barcelona)
Other worthwhile excursions include: the 11th Century Benedictine/Cisterian Abbey of Fontfroide and the nearby Cathar stronghold of Minerve which is perched precariously over the gorges of the Cesse River.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS: We are spoiled for choice with fabulous restaurants all around us, but it's only the the stylish Relais Chantovent in Minerve that has a website...
Almost beside us in Mirepeisset is the charming little LA TAVERNE who serve great food and the very best of Minervois wines (reserving is a must as the restaurant is tiny!). There is also the uniquely-situated little CAFE at the PORTE MINERVOISE - where you can while away a tranquil hour over a bottle (or two!) watching the boats float by on the Canal du Midi... Then there is the ever-cheerful, ever-popular and extremely good-value LA SELETTE @ 5 minutes by car... or LA DISTILLERIE at 8 minutes, LA GRANGE in Bize @ 10 minutes and finally LES TROIS COCHONS and ANAIS both @ 5 minutes in Ginestas.
If you are looking for interesting PROPERTIES (holiday homes or otherwise) around Mirepeisset, check out Laetitia's nice website - she's based right here in the village. Just click on Hirsch Immobilier
For private WINE TOURS in the Roussillon - check out Dublin-born, Perpignan-based Cathie O'Flynn www.catalanwinetours.com
For 1-day WINE TOURS by Wendy Gedney click on www.vinenvacances.com
Mary Dowey has researched the very best PROVENCE has to offer in terms of artisan wine and food producers, restaurants and shops. Check out Provence Food and Wine
For a website about France in English with daily updates of news, travel and weather check out WoW l'Herault
Click here for other cookery courses in Languedoc, south of France.
Art links
For beautiful and fascinating PHOTOGRAPHIC ART as well as beautiful WOODBLOCK prints and ETCHINGS see ANN KAVANAGH
A few interesting ARTISTS in France: Martine Trouis painter, Thalia Reventlow ceramic artist, and Tom Darnell painter.
For contemporary art exhibitions check out Le Coin d'Art in Olonzac, l'Etang d'Art in Bages, Lieu d'Art Contemporain in Sigean and Espace Gibert in Lezignan,
For more links to arty websites see my blog FrenchFlakes.com
Irish and other links
For suggestions of all manner of other courses and holiday ideas check out Marsbrook Holiday Ideas
For 4-star self-catering accommodation in a magnificent stone house in Pontoon, Co Mayo, West of Ireland see Pontoon House
For professional wedding photography with a personal touch in Ireland see Keith Fitzgerald Photography and Shane O'Neill... For general photography in Ireland see Kieran Harnett and George Munday
Prudence Magazine publish my food column Budget Bites but they also offer tips and advice on getting value for money in fashion, beauty, travel, lifestyle and personal finance. Check out Prudence Magazine
Check out Kenyaways Kite Village for a dream holiday on the world's most beautiful beach! LINZI KENNAWAY is your host and can teach you if you want to learn to kite!
To view Linzi's sister OLIVIA KENNAWAY's wonderful designer fashion click on the community-driven, ethical and environmentally aware Lalesso
Check out Irish recipe, food and wine website Greatfood.ie - Ireland's most popular food and wine website with tested recipes, ingredient features, wine articles and reviews, and hints and tips on cooking.
