On Location in France: Anticipation 102

 Hello "On Location" Friends,

Collioure, France is a beautiful village on the Mediterranean coast, not far from the Spanish border.  We might be able to visit this scenic and historic location on one of our "days off". The light and views brought artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Derain to Collioure.  While sitting at a cafe on the water's edge, you can view historic castles, forts, brightly painted boats, and that beautiful Mediterranean blue.  For more information, check out the websites below.

http://www.collioure.com/gb/index-gb.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collioure

On Location in Southern France: Anticipation 101

Next May might seem a long way off, but it is not too early to start learning about the Languedoc-Rousillon region of France.  Over the next few months, I'll suggest some websites for you to investigate and pass on some helpful hints about our trip.  Closer to "take-off", I will send you detailed information and lists for packing art supplies as well as clothes.  
Languedoc-Rousillon is an area with intriguing history and a huge variety of landscapes.  Bookmark this website and take some time to investigate the area.   http://www.midi-france.info. We are staying in Limoux, which is the home of Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux.   These are not twin Frenchmen.  They are two of the earliest versions of sparkling wine a.k.a. champagne developed at the Abbey of St. Hilaire.
The Unesco World Heritage site of Carcassone is a short train ride away.  We can choose to visit this fascinating location on one of our days off.  

 Inside the Abbey at St. Hilaire

A view from inside the wall at Carcassone.

Trying some Blanquette de Limoux

It is never too early to start practising some essential French phrases.  Here is the first one.  Please repeat it out loud to yourself, until you have mastered it.  "Un verre de vin rouge  (blanc), s'il vous plait!"

Well done!