News From Languedoc-Roussillon

Céret Cherry Festival

Céret in Pyrenées Orientales is the home of the famous Cherry Festival which takes place on the 20th,and 21st May this year. When those of us in the U.K. are still wondering when summer will arrive it is amazing to think that this part of France is harvesting its cherries already. It is also amazing to find out how much fun the French can have with a cherry! There are tastings, stoning competitions and even stone spitting competitions. There are lots of dancers dressed in red dresses to look like cherries, musicians too and loads of different menus focussed on cherries. Even if you don’t like cherries, it’s worth owning a house in Languedoc-Roussillon to enjoy the climate that brings the cherry harvest so early in the year.

Famous Languedoc Artists

Apart from cherries, Céret is famous as having been the home of many famous artists, Chagall, Dali, Matisse and Picasso to name just a few. After wandering around the little town and visiting the Museum of Modern Art, you can choose to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine in either the Café Pablo, which is dedicated to Picasso or The Grand Café which was the favoured meeting place of all the artists. A short walk, after your break, will take you to the Pont du Diable, Legend has it that the people of Céret wanted a bridge across the river but could not afford it so they asked the devil to build it for them. He agreed on condition that he would claim the first soul who crossed the bridge. Cunningly the townsfolk sent a cat over first but for many years no-one else would cross it just in case the devil thought they had not met their obligations! So, even if you miss the cherry harvest do find time to visit this lovely town nestling in the foothills of the Pyrénées – you won’t be disappointed, and you should be safe if you choose to cross the bridge.