A full, full day

I shouldn't have had the late night coffee. I regretted it at 4.30 this morning when I finally got up, unable to sleep. I was in Pezenas market by 8am which meant I didn't have to battle for a parking space with tourists and I could whizz round the stands getting what I needed before the crowds.

I was in Roujan by 9am to clean the pool at Le Couvent and managed to creep in and out again without disturbing our lovely tenants. Then it was off to my mum's to shower her and wash her hair. She was in good spirits so it was an easy task.

On my way home to La Caumette I received a call from Ali. Two tickets for the Balade Gourmande at the Chateau de Margon had become available. Did I want to go? Yes Sireee. So I hot-footed it home, picked up Ali and we were in Margon by noon.

The Balade Gourmande comprises a stroll around vineyards and the chateau gardens, stopping at 9 stations to pick up a delicious dish of food and an accompanying sample of paired wine from Le Domaine d'Arjolle. The food is provided by very good local restaurants and the wines are just delicious. And yes, there's the alternative of water available for the drivers (me). The whole thing is fantastically well organised but very relaxed. The sun shone, we chatted with our gang of about eight friends and bumped into people we knew. What a lovely, lovely thing to do on a summer's day. We spent about four hours there then came home for a huge siesta!

Just a teaser: how about Quiche renversée aux asperges vertes; Huitres; Charcuteries fines italiennes et espagnoles; Fois-Gras de canard mi-cuit au sarment de vigne; le joli maquereau a l'espalette, aubergine blanche rotie au basilic et olives taggiasches, espuma d'aïoli; Poitrine de cochon cuite longuement, orecchiette comme un risotto bouillon parmesan; Demi-Rocamadour, Saint Nectaire fermier & Brie de Meaux; Crumble de chocolat au lait et son caramel breton? Oh, and coffee. And 12 different wines.