Following the coast from Bordeaux to the Vendée, the south west of France is probably more noted for its wines and spirits than its food. Do not make this mistake, us French would never have one without the other, after all what would we drink all this fine wine with? Though the Romans are responsible for bringing vines here, I have to give a special thanks to the Brits who nurtured them here.

This it has to be said is an area of many luxuries, the Atlantic provides Dublin Bay prawns, lobsters, sole and skate, whilst the sheltered lagoons are natural nurseries for scallops and oysters, lamprey, and a local sole named Langue D’avocat (lawyers tongue).

The same lagoons give way to salt marshes home to salt marsh lamb, duck, game birds and hare.

To the south of the region cows dominate, Charentais cows of course. The butter and cream from Charentais cows is so good they have never really got round to making any really great cheese, you have to go North to the Vendée where most of Frances’ goats reside. They come in all shapes and sizes, tastes, wrappings and seasoning. Try Chabichou, Pyramides, Saint Loup or the chestnut leaf wrapped Couhé-verac.

The Southwest is also the home of onions, shallots and leeks that love the rich river valleys, no wonder that the base of many great sauces is a reduction of onions or shallots and wine.

Of note in the sweet department, there is little except Angelica.