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.