Off we go again......Lunel to Nimes....slowly!

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 Yes, this sort of sky does present itself sometimes, even here, but normally it's more like this, even in the winter months.....  We've just passed through 3 days with thunderstorms and heavy showers, making the farmers happy as Larry, and the Tourists livid with rage! It happens, but it is quite seldom - just be prepared for an occasional flash flood which can happen, mainly in September when the seasons are slowly changing over.
Normally you will only be presented with ...
and that not too sparingly!
It's important to know, since our travels (our last one before your holidays) this time really are going into my local Region of France....The Departement du GARD....
  shown here in yellow.
We've already covered from Beziers (in the Herault) all the way up to Lunel (still in the Herault) passing by some of the lesser known places, and I've given you a few indications of places to see, and things to do, that will make your holiday....different! Here's the link in case you haven't had the pleasure....(you'll find links to the other articles in the series on the bottom of the page as well) http://marquisdugalipot.blogspot.com/2011/03/travelling-around-again.html ......and here is the link to the last part.... http://marquisdugalipot.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-trip-part-3-around-montpellier.html 
So now you're equiped with everything you need, let's set off....
We're going to leave Lunel and move into the Gard, going to a place called Sommieres...travelling through generally vineyards and heathland, stuffed full of places where you can stop and sample the wine, most of which can nowadays be qualified as high quality wines, and you'll find, in season, many little places by the side of the road who set up stand, and sell the local products - cheaply.  These products come directly from the production field, often just on the other side of the road, and are always cheaper, but only sell fruits and vegetables actually in season. Since that is normally an awful lot of stuff in this region, you'll be able to find an awful lot of extremely high quality items - at exceptionally low prices...Sometimes it pays to be a Scotsman!
Sommières is an old town, and as such, the normal things like Chateaux are present, but the two things that are impressive are the old original bridge that straddles an innocent looking little river, normally just trickling water....don't be fooled....this thing is dangerous.....regularly!
Roman bridge in 30250 Sommières, Gard, France,...Image via Wikipedia
The local and Regional Authorities have put much money into trying to avoid the regular floodings, when this little stream become this:  All kinds of emergency and warning systems are in place, but I'm not sure it will stop the second interesting place being flooded regularly- the central market...always something for the Tourists and others. The novelty of this place is that sitting on the terrace of the GROUND floor of a Cafe, you actually look DOWN on the market place. In other words, it is at a lower level than the bridge and the river.....oh dear!
The shop owners have arranged themselves to deal, or try to, with the regular floodings! It is a "must see"....
On the subject of this area and others in the region, here is the link to a very well run and organised Website from an "Ex-Pat" who lives there- there are photos, forums and information, so - ask your questions, and get some answers here:

Article : http://the-languedoc-page.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5899

Local photos :http://the-languedoc-page.com/photos


Local info : http://www.paysdelunel.fr/


From Sommieres, we go in the general direction of Nîmes, Capital of the District....with all of its Roman souvenirs, passing shortly to the home address town of mr le marquis (iwmpop) "Vauvert"...
 
More French than French - a "dormitory" town for the cities of Nimes and Montpellier, but it has retained its individuality.

A short visit toe nearby village of "Vergeze" maybe to sample the local water....."Perrier"  ...internationally renowned, and visitable...!

Then - on to Nîmes...Capital of the area...Too big to deal with really here....so I'll just give a link, in English, and a photo....then you can make your own investigations, or employ a local Policeman or Postman....for the price of an Apéritif you'll make a friend for life and find some original, almost non-tourist Restaurants, Bars and Cafés.....

http://www.ot-nimes.fr/index.php?id=1&L=1

I wish you all "Bonnes Vacances" in this area of France, so rich in experiences, and such good value....even for the Tourists...!

.... Nîmes....and one of the dishes I love.......from there:
 

Brandade de morue is the typical dish of Nîmes. Mentioned from 1786 onwards, this flavourful food...


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