Day 2994 (Tuesday) 19th August 2025

This is Antheor, which is beyond Cannes

and this is Eze Village.

 

Huw had his French exam this morning and he was bitterly disappointed with the whole experience; he doesn’t think he’s done very well - poor Huw.

Yesterday Huw was contacted by someone who stayed in the apartment we looked after a few years ago. The couple are from Paris and have recently bought an apartment in Beaulieu and they want to ask us some questions about renting their second home through Airbnb so we went over there at 11 this morning. The apartment is pretty big and has been totally renovated, which would make it easy to keep clean. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and the living area is huge. It also has a big terrace which is on a corner and it's on the 4th floor so the views are wonderful, they can see the sea and the mountains. We had a good chat about how they need to go about renting it and I think we’ve got a good chance of getting it around about Easter time. Should be a nice little earner.

The lady told me that she was born in Kerala, India and was adopted when she was 4 by a Parisian woman, now here she is living near the Eiffel Tower in Paris and buying a second home on the Riviera – what a lovely story.

It was very warm this morning and it looks like we might get some rain later, we need it to get rid of the humidity.

I found this website the other day, it’s a bit long so I’ll post it over two days…enjoy.

21 things you should do in France at least once

Water jousting in the French southern city of Sète. Photo by PASCAL GUYOT / AFP

From art and culture to sport and activities, food and drink to festivals, France has such a dizzying range of things to do that it can be hard to pick. Here's a selection of personal favourites that French residents or visitors to France really should try.

1. Go to France's biggest farm show

The Salon de l'Agriculture, held every year in Paris in late February/early March, is a key part of the French political calendar but it's also a great day out.

The huge show features prize-winning cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and donkeys from all over France plus a dizzying array of local food and drink specialities (with free tasters on offer).

It lasts for 10 days and usually the first weekend is the time to spot a politician petting cows and pretending to be 'of the people', the mid-week is when the serious judging of the agricultural classes is done and the final weekend is when the farmers let their hair down and things get distinctly convivial. 

2. Go to a match at the Stade de France

Whether you're into football or rugby, an international match at Paris' 80,000 capacity Stade de France is an experience to remember. It's a great venue and you've only really heard La Marseillaise properly when you've heard it being roared at regular intervals by tens of thousands of sports fans. It will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

3. Drive across the Millau Viaduct

This Norman Foster designed viaduct in the south west département of Tarn is both stunning to look at and also offers amazing views of the valley as you drive over it. Pull over afterwards (if safe to do so) to take some photos.

The Millau Viaduct is a modern marvel. The tallest bridge in the world spans across the Gorge Valley.

 

4. Eat cheese in the Roquefort caves

Close to Millau, you can visit some of France's most famous cheeses as they mature in ancient caves. Only cheese that has been aged in a particular set of caves in the town of Roquefort can style itself Roquefort, and visitors can go for a trip around, watch the cheeses slowly maturing and growing mould in the darkness and then - the best bit - taste it.

5. Get slightly tipsy on a vineyard tour

It seems rude not to see France's most famous product being made and hundreds of vineyards offer tours of their premises. There are large professional operations with visitor centres, but often tours of smaller vineyards are more fun.

Many vineyard owners are extremely passionate about their product and the centuries-old traditions used to make it and are happy to host visitors and then open a couple of bottles. Look out for the sign saying dégustation (tasting).

6. Climb Montségur

If you're serious about mountain climbing there are of course the Alps and Pyrenees, but a challenging walk is the climb up the rocks of Montségur to the ruined castle at the top.

All sorts of legends swirl around this site. Supposedly the last stand of the Cathar religious sect before all members were massacred, there are also rumours of the Holy Grail and buried treasure, which Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler apparently took time out of World War II to investigate.

7. Take a boat along the Canal du Midi 

Of the many stunning bits of France, the south west Languedoc area is among the most beautiful. Take your time sightseeing by hiring a narrowboat and travelling along the canal, which runs from Toulouse to Narbonne, and stopping off along the way to see local sites, shop at the markets and sample local delicacies.

8. Watch a water jousting tournament

Head to Sète in south west France to watch the ancient sport of water jousting. Basically, two teams paddle boats towards each other and players try to knock opponents off the boat using long sticks. Expect lots of shouting and splashing.

I will post the rest of them tomorrow.