North and west of Montpellier are some great wine areas - all under the Coteaux de Languedoc appellation.

Try the named communes - Montpeyroux, St Saturnin, Pic St Loup, Cabrieres.

The reds are the best but some of the roses and whites are nice too.

Picpoul de Pinet is pretty good with seafood.

The Caves Cooperatives for all these wines are great places to taste and buy.

Near Aniane in the Herault is the Mas de Daumas Gassac - only allowed to be Vin de Pays but really stunning wine.

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Imagine the scene ... a sleepy, sunny Sunday in southern France. A little too much vin rouge in Saturday night? Well, what better way to spend your time than by taking a stroll through Place de Peyrou in Montpellier, a large open space lined either side with trees that provide welcome shade from the powerful sun. During the summer months, there are impressive flower beds, too.

The view from the fountain (at the far end of Place de Peyrou) is breath-taking and even amateur photographers can come away with striking snaps of the aqueduct, hills, winding streets below and so on.

The Arceaux area (down the steps from Peyrou) hosts an impressive market on Sundays, with an abundance of fresh, local produce. You're guaranteed some fun and friendly banter, too. There's plenty of choice and it's always bustling without being too crowded. Why not stock up on food at the market then go for a picnic?

Voilà my perfect French Sunday!

From Place de la Comédie, take Rue de la Loge, continue onto Rue Foch (past the arc de triomphe) and Place de Peyou is right in front of you!

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You see the changing scenery of France from north to south with the weather getting better as your journey progress.

Start in Caen, then head to Montpellier. Stay in small hotels and enjoy regional cuisine and meet lots of people. By riding each day you build a good appetite to appreciate the great food and wine.

You can easily complete the journey in 12 days, have a day in Montpellier before returning home on the excellent European Bike Express.

Try the Cycle Touring Club website for route details - www.ctc.org.uk. European Bike Express www.bike-express.co.uk

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If you are in Montpellier for more than a couple of days, you need a cheap, friendly, local restaurant that won’t drain the budget. La Tomate, situated on a tiny picturesque square in the old town, offers a fantastic three-course meal for just €11.

La Tomate, 6, Rue Four des Flammes, 34000 Montpellier;
Tel : 04.67.60.49.38

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