​Laparade itself is a quintessential French bastide village, peaceful and atmospheric, with a fascinating history stretching back centuries. Louis IX famously bequeathed the village to his brother, Alphonse de Poitiers, and its historic character remains wonderfully intact. For most of the year, life here moves at an unhurried pace.

However, on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, everything changes. The village’s Marché Nocturne takes place directly outside Maison Laparade’s front gates. Simply step outside with a basket, a tablecloth and, of course, your wine glasses, and you are suddenly part of the evening.

Local food, wine and live music fill the village as the market comes alive. It is an irresistibly French experience: informal, convivial and entirely uncontrived. And for families, the music finishes promptly at 11pm, with the market packed away swiftly afterwards.