CLIVE WESTON REPORT
An hour from Carcassonne, we reach our home for the next two nights, a delightfully restored and comfortable guest house called La Vie Est Belle in the quaint, historic village of Luc sur Orbieu.
Outwardly, Luc (population: 1,000), appears a sleepy hollow, but it’s a hive of activity behind the high stone walls that border the narrow streets.
The Fabre family have called Château de Luc home since 1850. Louis Fabre, with his daughters Jeanne and Clémence and her husband Louis-Jacques, run this well- established wine business that champions organics and biodynamics across five vineyard estates.
Theirs is a warm and friendly welcome, so it’s no surprise that upwards of 300 groups visit each summer for pre-booked tastings and tours of the property and cellars.
Look out for Grande Courtade l’Instant Rosé. With its pretty, pale-pink hue and aroma of red fruits, it’s refreshingly crisp and dry. Grande Courtade l’Instant Rouge is made from Malbec, Alicante and Syrah. Deep in colour, with an aroma of redcurrants, it’s full- 7
flavoured and soft – an easy drinking red to match with charcuterie or steak frites!
Beside the village square, Restaurant La Luciole presents haute cuisine in its intimate, family run dining room. Be sure to make a reservation, it’s the top spot in town.
