This was the view that made us buy the house! Taken in August, when the vines are very green and the cereal crops have been harvested.
Taken on the same day, showing the éoliens across the valley. In August, there are sometimes storms towards the end of the day - hence the rainbow!
In late December, the albizia tree in the garden is now bare, as are the vineyards and fields. The weather is often really clear, and great for walking.
It does snow sometimes! This was in February.
June 2006. All very green - and the cereal crops have not yet been harvested. The albizia was heavily pruned this year . . .
View of the village, with our house in the centre. This was taken on New Year's Eve.
On the hillside in the background, on the other side of the valley, is the biggest local quarry. The stone is quite distinctive (and gives the village its name (Roquetaillade = split stone)
One of many walking routes around the village, this shows the castle and the church which dominate the village. This was taken at the end of September, after the grape harvest
View from the other side of the village, in early March.
Lovely walking conditions at the end of December.
Some very late grapes - this was taken at the beginning of October. Our house is just visible on the extreme left of the skyline.
View from the quarry side of the valley in late April. This shows how sheltered the village is, even though it is high above the valley floor.
Looking down to the village from the ridge - early morning in January, and the sun is just hitting the hill tops opposite.
Looking down from the windmill ridge at Roquetaillade. The location in the foothills of the Pyrenees becomes clear.
Market square in Limoux, the nearest town.
Summer view of Conilhac la Montagne, the next village.
Summer view over to Pyrenees from the quarry side of the valley.
Poppies are very widespread in May.
Flowers often grow between rows of organic vines.
After the harvest in late September.
The éoliens are a significant feature of the area. There are plans to install more, and this has been the cause of some controversy. They don't seem to have any negative impact on the local animals though!
Part of the road up to our house. The woodland is typical of the area, with many small oak trees.
A magic wood. If you look very carefully, you might spot the fairies.
View over the Aude valley towards the Pyrenees. This was taken in January, but there is snow on the mountain tops for much of the year.
View of Pyrenees from the top of the ridge behind the house. This was taken in late September - so no snow!
A sunset over the Pyrenees.
The kitchen - typical dark units and wall tiling at one end.
The lounge
Interior - during the course of painting the hall.
Our new wood stove, the warm heart of the house!
The terrace in its original state, with newly installed awnings.
And then with new balustrade.
And tiled
The finished product!
