Every few months an open day programme allows people to visit local farms, meet the farmers, take a tour of their land, get up close to the animals, see how the farm machinery works, eat a meal with others on the property, and buy the produce fresh from the farm gate.
Today, May Day, was the turn of the Haute Vallée de l’Aude and the Pays de Sault, and Nicholas and I opted to visit an organic farm and artisan bread maker at Sougraigne, near Rennes-les-Bains. Amomg the many choices, we could also have opted for a three course meal with wine matching on a local domaine but, as much as that tempted me, that wasn’t going to be so practical for Nicholas!
I’d not been in to Sougraigne before but it’s not far off the main road between Couiza and Bugarach and looks a delightful village, fringed with wisteria and lilac. We drove on past in search of the farm, following signposts, winding up through sunlit woods and leafstrewn lanes for what seemed like forever. The countryside is magnificent, the views spectacular. Meeting a car coming by the other way is not recommended as the narrow country lane becomes a narrower farm track! I’m becoming quite adept at manoeuvring.
On arrival at Les Bernous, we are greeted by sheep – or possibly goats.
Donkeys graze at the doorway.
There is a large poulaillere, the hens providing a bountiful supply of eggs.
The grain sorting machine dates from the 19th century and has been rigged up with a motor and pulley system. It’s rudimentary, but it seems to work.
The grain filters through directly into small sacks for use in the bread products made on the farm.
The owners added this large bread oven themselves. The wood goes in on this side – the pizzas are cooked on the other side.
The resulting pizza is delicious, accompanied by fresh salad and washed down with organic fruit syrups.
The farm is spectacularly sited in the middle of nowhere, but you are rewarded with magnificent 360 degree views. The farm faces the Pyrenees on the one side, and the ever-present Pic de Bugarach on the other.
We will enjoy the fresh produce during the week – fresh eggs, fruit bread, and a bottle of vin de noix. My favourite! Bon appetit.
How wonderful. We’ve passed this farm several times on our way to begin walking, but never had the opportunity you had today. Your son looks happy with his meal! I guess because of him, your walks are taking a back seat at the moment.