The Cradle of the French Vine

Location: Languedoc-Roussillon, junction 37 of the E15/A9, for Narbonne (D32) and Narbonne Plage and Gruissan (D168)

Turning off the motorway at Narbonne and coming through the toll gates, there immediately in front is a roundabout with a huge wine pitcher pouring wine.

The flow of wine is more obvious in winter. In summer it is partly hidden by the foliage of what look like poplars.

The writing on the stone slab in front says "Narbonne, berceau de la vigne Française: Narbonne cradle of the French vine".

Wikipedia says: "Grapevines are said to have existed in the South of France since the Pliocene period - before the existence of Homo sapiens. The first vineyards of Gaul developed around two towns: Béziers and Narbonne."

Rond Point de Falines

Location: Languedoc-Roussillon, near Narbonne, D32 outside Gruissan, junction with D332

The D32 out of Narbonne meanders south east to Gruissan, a holiday resort in the Languedoc-Roussillon between two étangs (lakes) and the Mediterranean. At the entrance to the old fishing village is the rond point de Falines.

Here, framed by grass and olive trees, an abstract sculpture echoes the shapes of the fishing boats and the yachts in the nearby marina.

To one side flags of France and the European Union flutter in the breeze.

Books

Location: Charante-Maritime, turn-off 36 of E5/A10. Junction of D732 (west towards Gémozac, Saujon and Royan and east towards Cognac) and D137 (north to Pons and Sainte and south to Mirambeau)

A splendid roundabout is to be found just off Junction 36 of the E5/A10, a few miles from Pons in the Charante-Maritime. There is a large open book, with fine illustrated writing backed by a rank of upright books.

The open book says: "La Haute Saintonge: Terre de Charme, Magic des Pierres, Beauté des Paysages".

Haute Saintonge is a "communauté des communes" at the southern end of the Charante-Maritime and on the spines of the upright books are the names of principal towns and villages within the community.