A Languedoc odyssey - One couple's escape to the South of France

Bon état général, défauts mineurs

Paul and Val Bridgestock bought an old abandoned house that had been empty for over 40 years in the lovely village of Axat in the South of France.

This is the often hilarious and moving story of the triumphs and also the setbacks they faced and overcame.

Recounted in a spirit of verve and élan are the stories of old Lucky Puss their thirty year old cat, Chance the abandoned kitten and Cartouche the little Shetland sheepdog, alongside tales of the many "heroes and villains" they have encountered along the way.

In 2007 Paul and Val opened the village's bed and breakfast, Aux Quatre Saisons Chambres d'Hôtes, soon voted the best in France. Paul is a professionally trained chef and included in the book is a selection of local recipes that are cooked by him for guests every evening.

Evelyn Smith, 2015, 248 p.