Summer this year got off to a slow start. We had a foot of snow at the beginning of March  and although it did not last long we had snow on May 1st and the weather was cold and wet until the 20th June. Since then we have been back to normal. At first it was hot, then hot and humid and until 21st July it has been just gorgeous. Temperatures have been in the mid 30s Celsius.

Our activities have been the usual round of fireworks and festivals. The French people do know how to enjoy the summer. On July 13th we had our fireworks over the bassin to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14th. They start at 10.30 pm and go on for half an hour. We have a grandstand view from our terrace. The photos are from last year, as I forgot to charge the camera batteries this year. On Bastille Day itself, our local residents association, held a dance and Cassoulet supper across the bassin. We attended and had a rolicking good time. The whole event was held outside in a small square. The company was good, the Cassoulet was good, the weather was fine, the wine flowed, as did the dancers and the entertainment was good.

Then the highlight of the week came on Sunday. The Tour de France came to town. It set off from Revel at midday and arrived here at 12.30. The town turned out to watch and sat at bars waiting for the cyclists. We all jumped up, cheered and clapped and a minute later it was all over; they had gone. They shot through the town faster than the cars normally go, doubling round right angle bends and flowing round traffic islands like ra river round a rock. It was all very exciting for a Sunday lunchtime.

Today we have had a special market in the town for local products -  Gourmand Marché – selling wines, meats, honey, cheeses etc. and this eveing we have a dramatic display at the boat port, with nautical displays as well. It never stops in rural France.

Next month from the 23rd August, we have our Fête du Cassoulet. This is when we eat Cassoulet every day and drink far too much, listen to bands and generally enjoy ourselves. During the day there are watersports on the canal, joke rafts and other such novelties; all resulting in the participants getting drenched. The Aude in summer is definitely a hard place to live.