Watercolour holidays in France - Locally sourced food and wine

Allan and I look forward to every meal and I'm sure you'll agree that food is never more important than when on holiday. I'm happier reading a cookery book than a novel and enjoy using produce from the garden or from our neighbour's farm to create dishes with local, Mediterranean and British influences. See sample menus below.

Breakfasts, usually served on the terrace, will vary throughout the week with fresh fruit, smoothies, croissants, pastries and home made preserves.

Lunch, depending on the painting location, will often be a picnic on trestle tables in a shady spot, with a glass or two of red or a nice chilled rosé.

As the heat of the day fades and the sun slips behind the house, you'll be ready for canapés and aperitif. Will it be your usual, or can we tempt you to try something local - a violet Kir, perhaps or a Pastis? Your choice.

Dinner will follow (and wine will flow), three courses and cheese, but save room to try my home made guignolet, a delicious liqueur made with wild cherries from the garden steeped in Eau de Vie, accompanied by the cherries dipped in chocolate.

On the day trip to Albi (lunch) and similarly, the evening trip to Carcassonne, we will leave you free to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants - there's one for every taste and budget.

I will happily cater for vegetarians and can accommodate some mild food intolerances but unfortunately, on this holiday I cannot cater for those with allergies.