"Mmmagg"ic!

The "agglomeration" includes the city and out towards the seaside resorts. A nine-day stay in beautiful weather cemented Greyrocks' affection for the place, and even sent us on some property-related research! Ruth made some more attempts with the bicycle but made little progress, so Bob did the daily ride to city or sea alone. At the campsite the outdoor unheated pool remained filled and in use for several days. and we were told we were lucky to have the luxury mobile home as the accommodation was full. Ruth did some long walks, and - of course - we used the trams! Early on we took the local line to its terminus in Perols and walked into Carnon on the coast, where we had a light lunch by the marina, and then found a bus back to the tram-stop, and we went twice to our favourite - Palavas. 

Hanging around in Palavas!

Once was on a glorious Sunday afternoon, when it was heaving, and once later in the week when we managed to catch the tail-end of lunch at the fish-stall and enjoy a small selection of seafood with Picpoul. The beach in town has been "tarted up" somewhat and is in superb condition. There have been changes in the shops and eateries on the two river banks and some of the sillier water activities have arrived, but essentially this is a modest resort. However, last year on French TV we saw a "reality" programme about policing it in high summer, and know well that for us it is an off-peak treat!

Bob almost walks on water

We went several times into Montpellier itself, of course! Once for an evening music gig, once for the cinema, and once just to wander around! There are so many parks, historic features and new striking buildings and installations that we never tire of this. We came upon a plaza with twenty or so busts on plinths representing victims and heroes of the Revolution; we walked round the Jardin des Plantes; and we viewed the developments at Port Marianne. We had hoped to repeat an evening last year when we visited Pleine Lune to see a great band, and preceded this with a Moroccan meal nearby. The same 10-piece band played and was great fun, but the restaurant we had liked so much was inexplicably closed, so we ended up in a brasserie so full of atmosphere we didn't mind too much!

By the second weekend the weather was turning a little so it was time for M's other great attraction:- films in VO (in our case English!) This year the most attractive proposition was "Victoria and Abdul" - given an odd title in French of  Confident Royal. We went to an afternoon showing and noticed that the restaurant opposite where we have often had the "menu with cinema discount" deal has closed and is now railway-themed and the discount virtually phased out, so another "end of an era" for Greyrocks! 

A nice surprise 

But never mind - after the film we went up "Charles de Gaulle" and discovered it was en fete! There were numerous stalls selling and celebrating local (largely "eco") food and drink. Soon we were sitting in a marquee with a plate of beautiful oysters from Bouzigues, black bread and some Picpoul! Further on we found a series of display pens with goats, chickens and pigs. Next day was our last and we marked it with a very meaty meal at La Boucherie! 

Foodie heaven must be something like the South of France!