When the crops fill the fields and the grapes are swelling on the vine and twilights are long and warm, living outdoors is a delight. From June until September the southwest region reaches its highest population, with summer holidaymakers coming from the UK and other parts of Europe to savour all the pleasures it has to offer. August is possibly the peak month, when the French and English have their main school and business holidays, and every weekend is alive with celebrations, antique fairs, feasts and communal parties. It’s a time of nonstop eating and drinking. Among Jock’s circle of friends, summer is always a busy socialising time, with part-time residents arriving in dribs and drabs and getting into the swing of it. There are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, both during the day and into the evening. You could easily find something new and interesting to do every day, if your stamina was up to the pace. I certainly did my best to keep up, trying not to miss out on anything.
