Motoring Montpellier

Motoring in the Montpellier region with a week long house sit in the lovely town of Vailhauquès.

Vailhauquès

Vailhauquès is one of our favourite locations so far on this trip. A quaint little country town, it has everything a person needs. There is tranquility in the surrounding rocky hills, lush forests, beautiful vineyards and brightly lit star filled skies.

The village square

From our home, it is a 10 minute stroll to the central village market. The square proudly offers a cafe, vegetable vendor, baker and pastries specialist, town butcher, convenience store, post office, administration office and a small well stocked grocer. Everything you could possibly need for daily life. You must try the cakes from the bakery…irresistibly delicious.

This central hub is always a buzz with locals. It is especially busy on Sunday mornings for market day when you can buy fresh cheeses, rotisserie chicken and frits as well as the catch of the day seafood. On our last market day in Vailhauquès we even found a Thai food vendor! It was wonderful to see the people of Vailhauquès greeting one another; chatting in the common areas and shops every time we stopped in.

Montpellier

If the French countryside life is too slow for you then Montpellier is only a short way southeast. Within 20 minutes drive there is everything a bigger city can offer! This Mediterranean town is also only a few kilometres from the water as well. It boasts a vast array of shops, delectable restaurants and historic architecture dating back to the 12th century.

There is security patrolled parking just at the base of the St.-Clément Aqueduct structure. On our arrival, a parking attendant approached to say he had special spot to park Sassy. A good place for him to keep a close eye on her. With keen interest in the machine, he chatted with us a while and then offered up a map of the area. He is a wonderful ambassador for the city.

Off we went on our self guided walking tour, confident the bike would be safe and sound.

St.-Clément Aqueduct and Peyrou Square

As you top the steps from the parking area a 360 degree vista of the city opens up for your viewing pleasure. City panoramas north and south, the Aqueduct to the west and the Promenade du Peyrou, Arc de Triumphe and old town to the east.

Central Montpellier in the old town

Montpellier is a University town with three established schools in the city and three more institutions just outside the municipality. As a result of the student population, there is a vibrant nightlife. Though, we were more content with the relaxation and quiet of the country after a couple weeks on the road.

The kindness of people is ever present in our life.

Our friendly parking attendant was still on shift when we arrived back at the parking lot a few hours later. We enjoyed more friendly discourse, again fudging through FrEnglish. The Ural Delay Factor well at work. He even offered us some tea to warm up. I tried to square up for the parking fees. He said ‘No, it’s free for you’ and despite my insistence to pay the fee he refused! What a kind soul.

To top it off a fellow homeless guy, who we were talking to about our adventure, offered up advice about keeping warm. (Newspapers under our jackets and such) Then he presented air activated hand warmer packs to Sam. We thanked him but maintained he keep them as she already had some. What an amazing gesture! Just another testament to those who have the least being the most generous. 

A day trip to Aigues-Mortes

With only some cats to look after, the house sit in Vailhauquès offered us some freedom to travel around during the day and to work on our blog posts/videos by night. On one such free day we ventured out to the medieval walled commune of Aigues-Mortes.

The ramparts

The origin of settlement in this location potentially goes back to the 700’s. However, the walled city we see today saw completion in the early 1300’s. Aigues-Mortes was an important location for the French having had many purposes over time though now it is mostly a tourist draw.

Tourism is the main business for this incredible historic monument town. Would you be surprised to learn that just over 8000 people call Aigues-Mortes their full time home?

Be sure to check restaurant times and menus when coming to Aigues-Mortes.

Sam and I decided to have a late lunch at 2 pm and were surprised to find that we could only get refreshments. Kitchens are often closed between the end of lunch and dinner time.

Camargue salt mining and marshland

Salt production and mining is believed to have been in this area since Neolithic times and is still an active industry today. Some of our favourite treats are made with the famous Camargue salt including caramels, the amazing fleur de sel and butter infused with fleur de sel!

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All around the area you can see Flamingos feasting on brine shrimp. Many other winged members in the Camargue bird community are floating around as well. A bird watcher’s paradise.

And away we go north

These beautiful steeds bid us farewell and good luck as we started the trek north to the UK. Au revois Vailhauquès, until we meet again!

Everywhere we go we meet wonderful talented people who inspire us. Simon and Ciara are more of our kind of folks. They packed up and left the busy corporate life moving to Vailhauquès to enjoy the weather, culture and freedom. If you live in the area or are in need of a Virtual Personal Assistant don’t hesitate to contact our friend Ciara through her website! PAplus

Many thanks!

As always, Sam and I would like to thank everyone who is following along with our adventures and sharing the experiences with others! Keep on sharing, subscribing and posting comments! Don’t hesitate to send us an email from the website with any suggestions on what you’d like us to see in upcoming posts, pages, tips, videos etc……………

Take care and keep on travelling,

Dan&Sam

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