The Chapelle d’Hortus (pictured above) is a place we keep meaning to visit which is really close by just outside the village of Ceyras. We have passed it on numerous occasions over the years as it is clearly visible from the road.
It was built in the late 14th early 15th century beside a gallo-romanic road. It is surrounded by numerous water sources. A well preserved monument of which there are many more to see in the area.
If you are feeling fit you can also visit the nearby St. Guilhem le Desert you can see all the quaint little houses. It is obvious from the doorways how over the years people have grown taller!! You can start your walk from the medieval square up into the surrounding hills (strong footwear and water necessary!!) The hills are home to a rare type of tree called the Salzam Pine.
Another visit we keep promising ourselves is one to the caves of Roquefort about 45 minutes to 1 hour from here. The story goes of how a young shepherd saw a pretty girl on the “causes” he decided to follow her thus leaving his dog to guard the flock and putting his lunch of bread and curd of ewes milk in a cave to keep it cool.
A few days later having been unable to catch up with the young shepherdess he returned very hungry to the cave his lunch now looking somewhat mouldy. So hungry was he that he decided to try it…it was delicious!! Hence Roquefort cheese was born!! The ewe’s milk is still used and to this day ripened in the same way in the caves. To be a Roquefort AOC cheese the Ewe must be of Lacaune breed and come from the Roquefort region i.e Tarn, Aveyron, Aude, Lozere, Gard & Herault. Will keep you posted if we get there!
We are now finally getting into the “swing” of things. The painting of the new wall for the division of the of the house into two apartments has begun. The tiling around the new shower cubicle has been completed.
