Chez nous Houses for sale What can I buy? Our service About us Buying in France SW France - Area SW France - Life Ask a Question Email updates Contact us Links		SW France - Lifestyle Mediterranean Climate It is said that Limoux, just south of Carcassonne and Maisons à la Carte's home town, has its own micro climate and that the sun shines for 300 days each year with typical Mediterranean temperatures, often over 30 degrees during the long hot summers. Rain falls in spring and autumn and there can sometimes be strong Mistral winds and summer storms; winters are short and mild. The inland hills are colder in winter and the Pyrenees have thick snow cover. A better life, for less The cost of living need not be a deterrent, as home overheads, running a car, D.I.Y. and general food and drink are probably less than you may be used to. Leisure Leisure activities are well provided for with golf, skiing, swimming, canoeing, horse trekking, walking; or simply taking part in the many festivals and fêtes. Good beaches and resorts along the coast, offer a wide variety of water sports. Many golf courses throughout the region from 9 to 18 holes, some of competition standard and accessible to all levels. Healthy Living There are many health spas offering treatments for a variety of ailments, or simply the opportunity to relax and get into shape. Vast nature reserves are a feature of the region, offering habitats for a huge variety of flora and fauna. It's ideal hiking, rambling, and riding country and there is good fishing in the rivers and lakes. Trails are well sign-posted and many topographical maps have been produced for the area. The High Life During the summer there is mountain climbing and mountain biking in the Pyrenees and it's easy to find experienced guides. In the winter there are good cross-country ski routes and excellent downhill skiing. Serious walkers can follow the ancient pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela that take you right over the Pyrenees to Spain. Bargains There are bric-a-brac markets, 'vides greniers' in towns and villages on different days from early spring until late autumn. Roadside 'Brocantes' offer old French furniture for sale; just what you need for your new home. Culture There are many festivals, fêtes, classical, jazz and folk concerts. Children are welcomed and included in all activities everywhere. The carnival in Limoux is the longest in Europe and lasts about three months from January to March. There is a good social life all year round. Artists in the Languedoc Along the Mediterranean coast the seaside towns of Collioure and Céret attracted many painters at the turn of the century. Collioure was a large source of inspiration and is represented in many Impressionist paintings. The artists were drawn to the simple villages, in part, by the unique light but also for the colour, spirit and lifestyle of the area. Matisse, Derain, Dufy, Picasso, Chagall painted here. Picasso was particularly fond of Céret and it claims to be the birthplace of Cubism. Gastronomy The result of the wonderful climate is a wide variation of both rich, succulent red wines and some of the best Chardonnay in the world. This is also where the first sparkling white wine was developed, Blanquette de Limoux. Blanquette grew up to be Champagne and it was discovered…by Monks! To complete the experience there are some excellent restaurants to tempt the gourmet palate with oysters, pâté de foie gras, wild boar, duck breasts and cassoulet just some of many local specialties. The earthy, independent character of the people of Languedoc-Roussillon, is reflected in the robust and unpretentious dishes of the region. Strong Mediterranean flavours with a generous use of herbs, garlic and olive oil. Lamb, grazed on wild thyme in the uplands, barbecued over a vinewood fire. Rich game or beef stews cooked slowly for many hours and Cassoulet, the most famous of regional dishes. On the coast there is good seafood and the mountains produce charcuterie - hams and pâtés. Wild mushrooms, oranges and chestnuts are used in many dishes as are fresh vegetables, grown here in abundance. Roquefort, considered by many to be the king of cheeses, is made at Roquefort-sur-Soulzon from ewe's milk. It's then laid deep in the Cambalou caves to mature naturally. Delicious fruit tarts and freshly made ice-cream can be found everywhere and, from the Roussillon area, little honey and almond cakes and panalets, marzipan sweets with nuts.		Languedoc-Rousillon: The Wines and Winemakers Languedoc and Roussillon (Rough Guides) Arrazat's Aubergines: Inside a Languedoc Kitchen Notes from the Languedoc