
Linda Matthews who organised a Brush With The Broads (BWTB) moved to France so last year we missed out on our little painting reunion. We therefore leapt at the chance to visit Linda in her lovely new home in Autignac, France which is a village that is in the foothills of the Massif Central and surrounded by vineyards which at this time of year were bursting with Autumnal colour!
We arrived at Beziers airport via a seamless Ryan Air flight (Yes! Really!) from Luton, and was greeted by our hostess for the next few days! A whistle stop tour on the way to Autignac by Linda who is very knowledgeable on the region and an excellent tour guide!
The house is a typical traditional French townhouse with extensive living and a huge cavernous ground floor ‘garage’ ! Linda is looking forward to opening this area up as a studio/Gallery in the summer. A fantastic space that is well suited to artistic practice and I had to admit to a tinge of envy!
We each had our own bedroom, which were all very comfortable and each had a huge wardrobe – the original flat packed furniture I was reliably informed! There was no other way to get it up the stairs I am sure! Anyway I spent my entire stay convinced that Aslan was going to leap out of mine! A perfect gateway to Narnia!
An excellent Coq Au Vin prepared by Chef Linda and then bed – we were ready for it!
Meze is currently unspoiled and does not have too many tourists and was quiet while we were there.
plein air in meze

Then it was back to Linda’s to unwind, reflect and order Pizza from the Pizza man that visits the village very Thursday! They were delicious – apparently there are more pizzerias in France than there are in Italy!? You learn something new!
taking advantage of inclement weather
Bezier
It is now an impressive landmark, and from its lofty heights we could see the fantastic vista before us with the Autumnal colours punctuating the landscape all the way to the Pyranees!
A quick tour of the Fayet museum followed which houses sculptures from local artist, Jean Antoine Injalbert and some 17th and 18th century paintings. Well worth a visit if anyone is in the region.
Linda and Paul drove us to Pezanas, a pretty little town where we planned to sketch and explore! It was very busy as it was market day so parking was a challenge but Linda is a determined lady and managed to find a space!
I am always prone to wander and made use of my camera to take record the winding narrow passages and fantastic doorways. In the Jewish Quarter there are lots of small Art Galleries and small craft shops which held the most amazing colours and curiosities!
After a wander, some sketching and lunch it was time to say goodbye! Anthea was determined to get all her purchases into her bag! We will definitely return to this region to paint as there is just so much inspiration and Linda is an excellent hostess and guide! If you would like to book onto a painting holiday with Linda CLICK here or email her at matthews.linda@orange.fr Planning for next year if anyone is interested? |