It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the countryside here in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France changes from one season to another. It’s almost as if somebody just flips a switch and suddenly instead of blustery spring mornings summer arrives and you’re sweltering in the heat. For three months of the year it’s almost non stop sunshine and God help your garden if you don’t keep your plants watered. There’s a small lake in our village which turns into a mini beach as soon as the sun comes out. In fact the whole village just burst into life as the holiday season starts and all the second homeowners here rush back to take advantage of the great weather. The very nature of the place changes as your quiet existence is suddenly shattered, but in a good way.