YOU IN 3 WORDS ...
- Passionate
- Epicurean
- Aveyronnais
YOUR LITTLE CORNER OF PARADISE IN THE LAND OF ROQUEFORT CHEESE?
The Rocher de Caylus. It is a place with which I have a deep emotional attachment that goes back to my childhood. A remnant of the castle of the Count of Caylus, it offers a ruinous landscape overlooking my home town, Saint-Affrique. As a teenager it was my playground for climbing and it is also the start or finish of some fantastic hikes. I like to rest there at the end of a bike ride and look out over the town or simply go there for a picnic or to stroll in the sun.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EVENT?
Sporting event: The Wish One Gravel Race: last year in Millau I was able to ride with the best riders in the world including Kilian Bron. But above all it was the opportunity to ride through the Larzac military camp, a unique experience because it is a restricted territory and the little extra was to have a soldier to show us the way at each junction. It was a real challenge with +130km and +2500m of elevation. This year the race is open to the general public and offers several formats, so don't hesitate to ask.
Local event: the Saint Affrique night market in summer. A meeting of local producers to taste in music the various products of our region by a summer temperature. My personal favourite: fries with beef fat followed by an ice cream made with sheep's milk and honey.
YOUR FAVOURITE "AVEYRONNAIS" DISH?
Main course: Cheese soup (especially the one my grandmother used to make). The whole Aveyron culture is in this dish: you take the leftovers and the less noble products (hard bread, pig's cabbage and cheese) and you make an explosion of flavours for your taste buds.
For dessert: La flaune. This local "cheesecake" made with sheep's milk is so soft and melts in the mouth. You can also say that it is a dessert made from leftovers because the recuite is recovered once the milk has curdled by bringing the whey to the boil.
ARE YOU MORE INTO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, VISITING SITES OR JUST RELAXING?
I am a fervent practitioner of the farniente spirit, visiting sites (nature, farms or heritage) while doing an outdoor activity. So a clever mix of the three. More seriously, I would say outdoor activities, our region is not lacking in options.
THE LITTLE EXTRA OF YOUR JOB?
Enjoy the splendid landscapes of the South Aveyron while keeping fit through physical activity and sharing the passion and culture of my territory.
A FUTURE PROJECT TO BE UNVEILED...
The "Accords Bières et Fromages Locaux" (Beer and cheese pairing) tasting tour: 2 hours of cycling followed by a tasting session where local beers are skilfully paired with our local cheeses. An unprecedented sensory and taste experience.
YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYGROUND FOR TRAINING?
The wide tracks of Larzac as far as the eye can see and the Montagnettes in the Rougier de Camarès.