Olonzac's municipal park

Olonzac has a fine municipal park with boules courts, tennis courts, a playground, swan ponds and
specimen trees. Once part of the grounds of one of the grand houses of the 19th century it was obtained by the town in lieu of taxes a hundred years ago. It is beautifully maintained by the Marie and has it's own greenhouse for seedlings.
Jardin de Charlotte is in the grounds of another, and larger, of Olonzac's grand houses. At one time there were ponds, fountains and an arboretum on this property too.
This week I'll post pictures of the grape harvest. If you enjoy the blog consider telling others about it and see more of this beautiful region of France

Another great meal last night at Auberge d'ecole in St. Jean de Minervois. There were 5 of us there for a very dinner with the friendly hosts. I've been told the best cassoulet in the region is made by Madame. It's a hardy dish which I personally think is best eaten in the winter.
My choice last night was beef cheeks. Very tender, tasty and cooked perfectly.
St Jean de Minervois is best known for Muscat wine. Fortified and either sweet or dry it's a good apero before the meal. Another wonderful warm evening in the Minervois.

Summer at Jardin de Charlotte

We had a good summer party at Jardin de Charlotte with a local classic rock band called Catharock providing the music.
There were about 75 people invited who brought things to nibble on with a section of local wines.
Friends and neighbors enjoyed themselves while sitting on the lawn, chatting and enjoying the music. The weather was perfect for it being warm and without a breath of wind.
There is already talk of doing something similar during the Christmas season in the grand halls of the Maison de Maitre.

Train station

Trains used to run throughout the Minervois valley. Carrying both passengers and freight they connected all the small villages. Still scattered about are buildings, bridges, aqueducts and raised rail beds which in some cases are converted into lovely walking trails. Here is one train related building sitting out in the middle of the vineyards. Just to the left over the small road is the overgrown rail line. The small piece of land with it is being used as a fruit and vegetable garden but the building is abandoned.

The wine harvest

The harvest will be early by a week or so this year and should underway here in the Minervois any day now. Months of hot and dry weather after good spring rains mean that the quantity of juice will be down but the sweetness of the grapes is up.
2015 should be a very good year throughout France for wine.
The photos were taken from just below Azille just a few kilometers from Olonzac.

August 18, 2015

Tuesday and it's market day in Olonzac. The town is heaving with visitors so it's best to get out early to get your local produce. Finding a chair at any of the cafes can be a challenge between 10am and noon.
The number of visitors is higher year on year as more people discover Olonzac and the Minervois valley.

Best fishes

Here's a better image of the fish in our pond at Jardin de Charlotte.

It's been a beautiful summer in the Minervois. We've had week after week of sunny, warm days.
One group that seems to have done exceptionally well over the season are the fish in the pond.
I lined a portion of the ancient reservoir that was used to service the pleasure gardens beside the Chateau. There were ponds and fountains with fish, ducks and swans. Long gone before we acquired the property.
I put in 5 gold and 5 orange goldfish in the fall. It must be a good environment for them because I counted one school of between 20 and 25 fish this morning. I've just started feeding them in the last few days which brings them to the surface. They are an array of colors now and a variety of sizes. Here's a not very clear picture of them. They haven't learned to pose for a shot. Perhaps I resemble a heron which are known to do a little pond fishing.