Feeling guilty in the heat

A friend from England sent us this photo entitled 'Footwear for a British Summer'. It led us to look at the shocking photos of the recent flooding in England. As we sit here in 33 degrees, with the sound of cicadas filling the air, we can't help but feel for the poor souls who are desperately trying to clean up their flooded homes. I can't begin to imagine how soul-destroying it is to watch your home fill with muddy water and sewage. All of us here at Le Couvent, Roujan wish you well.

Music festival at Domaine Bourdic

When guests arrive at Le Couvent they find a complimentary bottle of the fantastic Rosé de Saignée from Domaine Bourdic in their room. This wine is made by our friends Hans & Christa who were classical musicians before they moved here eleven years ago. Not content with producing jolly good wine, H&C have created a fine music festival at Domaine Bourdic, now in its eighth year. Click on the images above to see the flyer in a readable form. There are still a few places left, so why not come?

Sunday = flea market

So yesterday I toddled off early to the fab flea market in Marseillan. Bright sunny days tend to bring an early crowd, so the car park was pretty full when I arrived. Although I didn't buy anything wildly interesting, I did spot these two treasures:

Ouch!

For those long conversations that make your ears hurt.

A small tour around Le Couvent

Just recently we've had prospective guests ask for extra photos of the house. I'm not sure why. Maybe the photos on the website aren't good enough. I'll have to ask next time. I always find it slightly disquieting because, although the house is very beautiful, a stay at le Couvent is not just about the look of things. I'd like to think there's a good spirit here which is equally as memorable as a simple bedroom.

Nevertheless, here are some extra photos to lead you round.

This is Flynn the Husky waiting at the gate.

Entrance Hall

The first floor landing - yep, there's light in this old house.

Each bedroom has an en-suite, clean and modern bathroom - but simple, like you might expect in a former convent.

Beds are simple and comfortable

The sheets are pure cotton

You can have twin beds if you prefer

Breakfast is served in the 50 square metre kitchen

The garden is verdant

And the pool has pure, chemical-free water

Goodbye clank

For the last five years we've put up with a noisy gate. Guests have lived in fear and trembling of disturbing night-sleeps or afternoon-siestas whenever they return. But no longer. Thanks to the lovely Cyril and his side-kick we have quiet gates. It's great. Now we don't have to slither through a barely open gate hoping it won't drop on its hinges and produce a cannon shot.

You might ask why we didn't get it sorted out before. Good question. We didn't want to throw them away and buy new, but had no idea you could get people who'd come to repair things like gates. But in France they mend rather than replace; a philosophy we like very much.

The world of EdVon

Sometimes our lovely guests write about us. We hesitate to write about them as we'd like to let people have a discreet holiday. But these two young Americans won't mind at all. Edgar & Vonda are two of the most delightful people we've ever had to stay - here's their blog entry about their time here. Edgar & Vonda's stay at Le Couvent.
To them we say thank you for being such sweethearts. Come back soon & we'll find you more bush tucker.

Flea market treasures

On Sunday we took our fab guests K&C to the flea market in Marseillan. It's a colossal cross between a car boot sale and an antiques fair. Lots is complete tat, but occasionally you can find real treasure - which is what keeps us going to it.

Ali came across a wonderful huge black and green butter-dish. Ridiculously big and colourful. It was just before the stall-holder settled down to lunch and there were ominous spots of rain. Ali presented the dish to the woman and gently enquired the price. "I know what you're going to say - that at 15 euros it's too expensive so how about 5 euros?" said the stall-holder. Ali hadn't uttered a word. So she was thrilled. Today she's wearing a matching ensemble in its honour.


I, on the other hand, had reverse fortunes. Having spotted this sweet little dog-cart the following conversation ensued:

Me: C'est combien?
Seller: Cinquante euros
Me: Quarante?
Her: D'accord.

Foolishly I handed her a 50 euro note.

Her: Cinquante? (she's holding the dosh by now)
Ali: D'accord.

Ali to me: Were we just beaten up then?
Me: Yes, you were.