Tour de France: Languedoc-Roussillon – Chez Loulou

As Paris is starting to feel more we’re in the midst of April showers (complete with jackets and scarves – in July), I’m happy to continue our vicarious escapes. Today Jennifer of Chez Loulou continues the Tour de France series down south with a look at the Languedoc-Roussillon region she calls home. While making a living cooking up delicious dishes, what I love most about Jennifer’s blog is that a) she writes about all the cheeses she eats (she’s at 200+ of the 600-1,000 varieties) and shares her own (realistic) experiences of living in France proving she doesn’t lead a charmed life just because she is where she is today. But today’s post does make her life seem quite dreamy…
{A friend’s terrace, overlooking the Canal du Midi.}

From Jennifer: There are many things that define the region where we live: the vineyards, the Canal du Midi, the brightly painted doors and shutters, the olive trees, the dramatic thunderstorms, the sparkling blue Mediterranean, the pale stone houses and red tile roofs, the highly perfumed garrigue, the rich culinary tradition, the wine, the peace and quiet and the dramatic scenery. Our rural life couldn’t be more different than living in Paris!


Worth checking out in the Languedoc-Roussillon region:
- La Chêvrerie de Combebelle – goat cheese producer
- L’Oulibo – the local olive and olive oil cooperative
- Château Gourgazaud – winery
- La Prade Mari – winery
- En Bonne Compagnie – restaurant
- Le Minervois Bel – restaurant
Thanks, Jennifer!
Guest post by Chez Loulou.
@louloufrance on Twitter & on Facebook
Susan
July 20, 2011 at 1:27 pm //
A region I’ve yet to explore…lovely!
Anne's Dad
July 20, 2011 at 7:32 pm //
It is worth noting that Salvador Dali believed that Rousillon was the center of the universe. While on a train that was stopped at the Gare du Perpignan he experience a “vision” that unlocked his artistic abilities and enabled him to paint in new dimensions. Out of gratitude to the French Railways, he painted a set of posters for them in 1965.
Chez Loulou
July 21, 2011 at 3:41 pm //
Thanks again Anne and I love that your dad shared some of the regional history. Great story about Salvador Dali!
Hannah, Lost in wishful thinking
July 24, 2011 at 6:32 am //
One of my favourite things about France was the cute old doors to buildings!
I am very jealous of your friend’s terrace, the flowers are spectacular.