Bal(l)ade insolite

It was 33 degrees C this afternoon, so we sensibly went to Caunes-Minervois for a balade arts vivants during the hottest part of the day. It was a wander through the garrigue with a group of storytellers and musicians, with breaks for stories and music. The highlight was this acrobatic performance involving a bathtub on the edge of a cliff. It was pleasant enough, but we have been spoilt by Le Dandy Manchot. Here, there was no guiding storyline, just a series of unconnected tales and tunes.

We ended up at the Chapelle de Notre Dame du Cros, a lovely spot just outside Caunes that we didn't know existed. It was shady and cool, and after some entertaining African proverbs and a last song, there was the obligatory aperitif disguised as a wine tasting.

It was half past seven by then, and we'd been out walking since half past three, in the blazing heat. So on the way home we detoured via Lézignan and went for tapas at Lo Tira-tap, the first time we've been since February. As usual, Maria plied us with food until we begged her to stop. It was La Fête de la Musique, and there was a truly appalling band playing just up the street -- we might have stayed longer if they hadn't been there.

I took loads of photos, but I'm too tired to do anything but a quick blip -- I might post a Flickr set tomorrow, although there is more socialising on the cards.