On the road again....again....
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We just left the area of the Airport and Mauguio-Carnon, and passed over to a place called "Lunel". There are so many places of interest just within those 10 - 15 miles that it would need a tome thicker than the Encyclopaedia Britannique to tell you all about them. From Baillargues, with its "Massane" International Golf Course (for the rich - but then all tourists are rich aren't they!) through Castries, where I lived for some years, with it's typical "Eglise" and Chateau (both visitable) an old Roman settlement of historical military value, and with its Aquaduct which does NOT date (for a change) from Roman times, but was actually built to bring water to the Chateau of Castries by the "Duc de Castries" in the 1670's.It passes right through the town to the Chateau, crossing major roads
..and countryside alike. It is a worthwhile wander track since it's not too long (and in the normal heat, that's a pleasant surprise) and goes through the heathland of the "Garrigue", just full of wild "Herbs de Provence" and other rare plants. It is here that I found the wonderful herb "Thyme Citronelle" a member of the thyme family which - when rubbed - is pungent in the smell of lemon - ideal for fish dishes!Just a little point - please don't rip out the plant by its roots, and only take what you can really use
.....it's a real natural gift and is already in difficulty!Taking the back roads, we'll pass into the "Lunelloise" - an area named after the large town of Lunel, whose inhabitants are alternatively know as "pescalunes" and "Lunelloise". This nickname comes from the story of trying to catch the reflection of the moon seen in the water
They didn't make it - so the moon still gets up every evening!Lunel is a large town, know best internationally, probably for its rivalry with Frontignan (we were there in the first part of these stories) in the production of.......
..MUSCAT! A very sweet dessert wine which in my humble opinion tastes best coming from Lunel than Frontignan, but I won't say no to a glass (or two) of either or even both! Lunel also has it's sights
Image via WikipediaWell - we didn't make it into the Department of the Gard, popped in and out.....I promise you....We'll get there next time. in time for your holidays!
Market days are particularly "charged" - Lunel has mixed everything up with lots of fruit, vegetables, meats, fish textiles, tissues and antiques all trying to find room....!
While you're here, pop in to "Lunel-Viel....the "Orangerie" and it's park are well worth a look and a well earned pause...!
While you're here, pop in to "Lunel-Viel....the "Orangerie" and it's park are well worth a look and a well earned pause...!
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